Man United star Alessia Russo is in talks to join Arsenal for a world-record fee

Arsenal are stepping up efforts to sign Manchester United and England star Alessia Russo after previously falling through with a world record bid.

Marc Skinner’s United side finished second in the WSL this season, their best result ever, with Russo’s performances playing a big part in the side also reaching the FA Cup final.

Now that Russo has been called up to England’s 23-man squad to attend this summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, her club future is once again making headlines.

Arsenal have resumed talks with Russo’s agent to try to bring the 24-year-old star, whose contract expires this summer, to north London.

Jonas Eidevall’s Arsenal side are looking to strengthen in attack after finishing third in the table behind Man United.

Manchester United and England star Alessia Russo is being followed with interest by Arsenal

Arsenal have resumed talks with Russo’s agent after a record bid fell through in January

The Gunners made a record bid for Russo in the January transfer window to no avail and serious talks have now resumed after months of speculation.

The current world record transfer fee for a female footballer is the £400,000 Barcelona paid Manchester City last summer to take over Keira Walsh.

Russo scored ten goals last season as Man United climbed to second in the table and qualified for Europe for the first time.

This led to her being named Player of the Year at the club – an accolade that caused a stir on social media when a male chief executive of the club’s charity department said the trophy was “too heavy” for her.

She also scored key goals in games against Arsenal – elevating Skinner’s side over the Gunners and equaling Chelsea’s record set in 2021/22 when they lifted the WSL Trophy.

However, Chelsea surpassed last year’s form, losing just twice to Reading on the final day en route to victory in the league.

Russo’s international teammate Keira Walsh is the current holder of the world record fee