Alessia Russo Signs for Arsenal

Arsenal finally capture the signing of England star Alessia Russo.

Arsenal’s pursuit of Alessia Russo has been one of the worst kept secrets in women’s football transfers. After submitting a very late January bid for Russo, which was turned down by Manchester United, she now joins Arsenal on a free transfer.

From the outside, this looks like a bad bit of business for United, given the rumoured transfer fee was a world-record £500,000, they have now lost her for nothing with her contract expiring in June 2023. However, Russo played a key role in helping United to reach the Champions League for the first time.

Arsenal left it too late in the January transfer window to persuade United to part with Russo, especially as they were still chasing the WSL trophy, as well as a Champions League place. However, the lure of playing for the most successful women’s team in England proved to be too tempting and she officially joined Arsenal on 5 July 2023.

Russo Stats

As Alessia Russo signs for Arsenal, we take a look at her recent stats in the WSL:

WSL goal ratio 2022/23 – 0.5 goals per game

WSL goal ratio 2021/23 – 0.4 goals per game

Russo’s 2023/23 scoring stats are not prolific when compared to Rachel Daley (1 goal per game) or Khadja Shaw (0.9 goals per game) but there is a lot more to Russo’s game than goals. However, Eidevall will be relieved that his Arsenal team will not have to face Russo again, as she had been a constant thorn in their side.

Russo scored the winner in the winner the Arsenal 2-3 Man United WSL thriller back in November 2022, as well as the winner in United’s 1-0 victory in April 2023, helping her team to claim a WSL double over Arsenal. Russo was also the only scorer in the Continental League Cup match that saw United dump Arsenal out of the 2021/22 competition. It is easy to see why Eidevall was so keen to have her lining up for Arsenal instead of against them.

At 24, Russo is yet to reach her peak and Arsenal fans will be excited at the prospect of Russo combining with the likes of Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema and Caitlin Foord. As well as providing a dominant threat at the top of the pitch, Russo’s aerial ability will help Arsenal to defend set pieces, which has proven to be one of their key weaknesses over the last few seasons under Eidevall.

Before Russo gets started with her new club team mates, she could play a pivotal role in England’s World Cup campaign.