It’s been a deal months in the making, but Alessia Russo is now an Arsenal player. The 24 year old joins the Gunners following the expiration of her contract at Manchester United, who turned down two world record bids for Russo in January but now part ways with the forward on a free transfer.

Russo, who confirmed her departure from Manchester United on June 16, said I’m really excited to be here and I can’t wait to get going,” said Alessia. “I want to win trophies – as does everyone in this club. I can’t wait to get stuck in and grow as a player – it’s a new challenge and a new environment.”

The Maidstone-born forward also cited the progress Arsenal have made in recent times away from the pitch: “I think the growth of the women’s game has been incredible, but particularly at a club like Arsenal. The sell-out against Wolfsburg at Emirates Stadium last season was fantastic, and I’m just really excited to be part of this club.”

Russo scored ten goals for Manchester United last season as the Red Devils finished second in the WSL to qualify for Champions League football for the very first time, as well as reaching the final of the FA Cup. Two of those goals came in wins against Arsenal, including a late winner at the Emirates.

The 24 year-old played youth football for Charlton Athletic and then Chelsea, making 1 senior app for the Blues and then a spell with Brighton before moving to the US to play college soccer. Russo was both a teammate and roommate of Arsenal defender Lotte Wubben-Moy in their time with the North Carolina Tar Heels. 

Joe Montemurro revealed that Arsenal tried to sign Russo on her return to England, but United came out on top and Russo formed a formidable partnership upfront with Ella Toone.

For her country, Russo played a role in every one of England’s games in their Euro 2022 victory last year, scoring four goals from the bench including that audacious backheel against Sweden in the quarter finals.

Head Coach Jonas Eidevall labelled Russo as: “One of the best forwards in the world [who] has significant potential to continue growing and improving. She has a proven track record of scoring goals in the WSL and at international level and we believe she will be a quality addition to our forward line, so we’re all delighted to have brought her to the club.”

Head of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “We’re delighted to have signed Alessia and I’m sure our supporters will be excited by this news. Alessia is a very talented footballer who fits the profile of player we want to bring to this club. We believe she has a high ceiling for further development and we are confident that we can go to the next level together.”

Russo will wear the number 23 shirt for Arsenal, with England confirming on Monday that she will wear the same number at this summer’s World Cup for her national side.