Russo stays put despite record breaking bid

Arsenal Women have seen not one, but two, world record bids for Manchester United striker Alessia Russo rejected by the Red Devils on Deadline Day.

With forwards Vivianne Miedema and Beth Mead both the victims of season ending injuries, the 23 year old Russo was top of Arsenal’s list by the end of the January transfer window. 

After turning down a contract extension with United last summer, Russo will be available to leave United on a free at the end of the season, but the current league leaders have elected to hang on to one of their star players at the expense of losing out on a record fee of around £500,000.

Arsenal were reported to have made a bid that surpassed the world record £400,000 that Barcelona paid for Keira Walsh on Monday, before making an improved bid on deadline day that United also turned down.

Russo scored four goals for the Lionesses in last summer’s European Championships, despite mainly being used in a ‘supersub’ role by Sarina Wiegman. Her partnership with Ella Toone has been crucial for both club and country, with eight goals between them this season.

Jonas Eidevall spoke to reporters after Arsenal’s FA Cup win over Leeds on Sunday about his desire to sign a striker, saying that he was “Hopeful” to bring in a forward, but “if it hasn’t happened yet then it is not a guarantee. It’s important, it’s a big moment for us in the season for if we want to be successful”.

The January transfer window shut earlier today at 5pm for domestic transfers in the Women’s Super League, but clubs can sign players from abroad up to midnight tonight. Arsenal have had their sights set on Lyon striker Signe Bruun for a while now, but the French side are also determined to hold on to the Dane.