Arsenal Women have completed a Bosman move for Alessia Russo following her departure from Manchester United Women this summer.
Russo, who was a transfer target for Arsenal back in January, was the subject of two huge bids, both of which were rejected as United looked to tie her down to a new deal.
Having turned down numerous contract extensions, the 24-year-old has now joined Arsenal, bringing an end to a three-year stay in the red half of Manchester.
“Yeah, it’s so exciting – today’s been amazing, meeting everyone, and settling in and I’m really excited to be here now,” Russo told Arsenal’s official website following the completion of her move.
“I can’t wait to get going. I think you can see it from last season and even the history that the club’s got, to go on and win trophies and perform and yeah.
“Time for a new challenge. I’m really excited to get going, get into the Champions League and the league next season.
“And yeah, just the fight from the team and everything that they had thrown against them last season, I think they did amazing. I can’t wait to be a part of it.
“I want to win trophies, as does everyone in this club. So, I can’t wait to get stuck in with that and just grow as a player.”
Russo is Arsenal’s third summer acquisition, joining Amanda Ilestedt and Cloe Lacasse from Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica respectively as the latest arrivals at Meadow Park.
Racking up 13 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions last time out, Russo certainly adds more firepower to her new employers off the back of a relatively disappointing campaign.
Having finished third in the FA Women’s Super League, a whopping 11 points behind winners Chelsea, Arsenal are keen to bolster their squad effectively ahead of the start of the new season.
