Arsenal Women have tabled a world-record £500,000 bid for Manchester United’s Alessia Russo.

The 23-year-old Russo starred during the Lionesses' triumphant 2022 European Championship victory last summer, netting four goals. 

Landing Russo would be a coup for Jonas Eidevall's side, who found out the club were drawn away to Chelsea in FA Cup fifth round on Monday.

However, despite Russo being in the final six months of her contract with Marc Skinnner's side, United are set to turn down the Gunners offer.

Arsenal, three points behind Women's Super League leaders United with a game in hand, have been monitoring Russo's contract situation throughout January.

United's stance is perplexing given that Russo - who impressed for the Lionesses at last summer’s Euros, including scoring a wonderfully impudent backheel against Sweden in the semi-final at Bramall Lane - is out of contract at the end of the season, with Skinner's side risking losing the talented player for nothing.

It is understood that while United have continued negotiations with the player, no agreement has yet been reached regarding an extension.

Russo has netted 17 goals in 35 WSL appearances for United after signing from North Carolina Tar Heels three years ago, while also grabbing 10 goals in 17 caps for England.

The exisitng record transfer fee in the women's game fee is the £400,000 Barcelona paid Manchester City for England midfielder Keira Walsh. 

Pernille Harder was understood to be the record holder before Walsh's move, her deal with Chelsea believed to be worth about £250,000.

The deadline for domestic transfers in the WSL is 5pm on Tuesday (January 31).