Manchester United have rejected a world- record shot from Arsenal for England forward Alessia Russo. The Euro 2022 winner, 23, turned down an offer to subscribe a contract extension at Manchester United in June. Arsenal, three points behind Women’s Super League leaders United with a game in hand, have been covering Russo’s contract situation throughout January. The shot was understood to be further than the£,000 Barcelona paid for England midfielder Keira Walsh in September. Russo’s contract with the Red Devils runs out this summer and the deadline for domestic transfers in the WSL is 1700 GMT on Tuesday. Clubs are free to talk with Russo because she has smaller than six months remaining on her deal and, while United have continued accommodations with the player, no agreement has yet been reached. Russo has scored 17 pretensions in 35 WSL appearances for United since joining from North Carolina Tar Heels three times agone
, and netted 10 times in 17 games for England, including four in the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 triumph last summer. The Gunners mean business’- analysis Manchester United have maintained they don’t want to lose Russo, but with her contract expiring in the summer and addresses over a new deal stagnating, they may find it hard to turn down significant offers. Arsenal, who are also understood to have made an offer for Lyon’s Danish striker Signe Bruun, have maintained their interest in Russo for several months and are clearly testing the waters. It would take a huge sum to draw her down from United before the summer, but this original offer shows the Gunners mean business. Russo is one of the outstanding players in the WSL and her departure, should it be, could drastically damage United’s title challenge. Arsenal themselves are in the title race and if they’re suitable to convert United to vend one of their major means, it would further boost their chances of getting their hands on the jewel. Russo has attracted interest from clubs in the United States and several top brigades in Europe- including WSL rivals Chelsea where she started her elderly career- and European titleholders Lyon- and both could yet make a move before the deadline. Should United choose not to vend, they risk losing Russo for free in six months.
