Arsenal have confirmed the arrival of England striker Alessia Russo on a free transfer.
The striker had been without a club since leaving Manchester United and former Lioness Jill Scott says the Gunners have a star on their hands.
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Russo, 24, is regarded as one of the game’s top forwards, netting 27 goals in 59 appearances for United, while she is remembered for the back heel goal in England’s Euro 2022 semi-final win.
Arsenal had been heavily linked with a move for the player during the January transfer window and have now got the prolific attacker, giving her the no.23 shirt.
Speaking of the move, Russo said: “I’m really excited to be here and I can’t wait to get going.
“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.”
She added: “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.”
Scott, who won the Euros last year with Russo, was full of praise for her.
“Now Arsenal have her, she’ll be a massive player,” the new captain of quiz show A League of their Own told talkSPORT. “She’s obviously another goalscoring threat and she’s definitely going to strengthen their team.
“United will be sad to see her go but I think that Arsenal have gained themselves a star.”
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Asked if Arsenal would be a good move for Russo, Scott added: “I think it is.
“I’m sure that she would have liked to have stayed at Manchester United because she’s got a lot of friends there and has done very well for the club but she obviously felt that the time was right to move on.”
