ARSENAL have reportedly had an audacious January transfer bid for Red Devils forward Alessia Russo knocked back.
The Manchester United ace, 23, is thought be the target of a world record bid exceeding the fee Barcelona paid to Man City for Keira Walsh, according to The Athletic.
Russo’s current contract with the WSL leaders is set to come to an end this summer.
Her team have lost just one of the 11 top-flight games they have played so far this season.
Reports claim Man United’s contract talks with the player have yet to lead to a new one for Russo with the club.
It is thought Arsenal, who are currently third in the league, are keen to try and seal a deal for Russo before the 5pm cut-off point for WSL transfers on Tuesday.
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However Sky Sports reports the Red Devils have rebuffed the offer made by their title rivals.
It is also thought the forward has been attracting interest from clubs in the United States.
Russo, who helped England to win last summer’s Women’s Euros, has emerged as one of Europe’s most talented forwards following her performances for club and country.
The Kent-born WSL star netted four goals for the Lionesses before their defeat of Germany in the Euros final at Wembley last July.
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And this season the forward, who began her senior playing career at Chelsea in 2016, has scored five goals in nine top-flight appearances
This includes a stoppage time winner during her team’s 3-2 defeat of the Gunners at the Emirates.
The victory saw Marc Skinner’s side becoming the first team to beat their rivals at the stadium in the league.
Arsenal’s move for Russo comes in a month which has seen them strengthen their attacking ranks following Beth Mead’s and Vivianne Miedema’s ACL injuries towards the end of last year.
The North London giants, who play West Ham in the WSL on Sunday, signed Netherlands midfielder Victoria Pelova from Ajax and Denmark starlet Kathrine Kuhl.
The duo were both on target in their team’s 9-0 demolition of Leeds Ladies in the FA Cup.
The team will face last year’s contest winners Chelsea in a fifth round duel on Saturday 25 February.
Jonas Eidevall’s side, who are yet to win a trophy under their boss, are chasing their first WSL title win since the 2018-19 season.
On Saturday the Gunners were reported to have rejected a Blues bid for the services of their winger Katie McCabe.
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The club are thought to have tabled a substantial offer for the Republic of Ireland international, 27, according to Sky Sports News and Telegraph Sport.
The player, who has made 10 appearances for Arsenal this season, is reported to have 18 months left on her current contract with the club.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
