Russo signs long-term Arsenal extension on eve of new season
Alessia Russo has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal. On the eve of the club’s Women’s Super League opener against London City Lionesses at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners have confirmed that the 26-year-old has put pen to paper on a new deal – the length of which is undisclosed.
Arsenal signed Russo from Manchester United in July 2023 after her contract expired, having failed with two bids in the preceding January. The forward, a European champion for club and country, has scored 36 goals in 72 games for Arsenal. She helped the team to a League Cup win in 2024 and a Champions League victory in May.
Last season Russo jointly claimed the WSL’s Golden Boot with Khadija Shaw, with 12 goals, and was named the Football Writers’ Association’s women’s footballer of the year. After being named in the Professional Footballers’ Association and Uefa teams of the year, Russo has been shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or.
“Arsenal feels like home,” said Russo. “This is such a special club and it has felt that way to me from the moment I joined two years ago. Playing for Arsenal is an honour and has pushed me to develop and grow as a player, and I feel empowered with this badge on my chest.”
The manager, Renée Slegers, said: “As a striker, Alessia’s goals often take the spotlight – but she brings so much more to our group. She’s a selfless player, working so hard for the team, and she also contributes so much to our team culture.”
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Not only that, but it’s the start of the WSL seasonwith a blockbuster as Chelsea v Manchester City.
Morning, we’ve kicked off the blog with some big news coming out of London Colney, and there will more reaction to follow on the other club in north London, as part of the buildup to a weekend of international football.
Russo signs long-term Arsenal extension on eve of new season
Alessia Russo has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal. On the eve of the club’s Women’s Super League opener against London City Lionesses at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners have confirmed that the 26-year-old has put pen to paper on a new deal – the length of which is undisclosed.
Arsenal signed Russo from Manchester United in July 2023 after her contract expired, having failed with two bids in the preceding January. The forward, a European champion for club and country, has scored 36 goals in 72 games for Arsenal. She helped the team to a League Cup win in 2024 and a Champions League victory in May.
Last season Russo jointly claimed the WSL’s Golden Boot with Khadija Shaw, with 12 goals, and was named the Football Writers’ Association’s women’s footballer of the year. After being named in the Professional Footballers’ Association and Uefa teams of the year, Russo has been shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or.
“Arsenal feels like home,” said Russo. “This is such a special club and it has felt that way to me from the moment I joined two years ago. Playing for Arsenal is an honour and has pushed me to develop and grow as a player, and I feel empowered with this badge on my chest.”
The manager, Renée Slegers, said: “As a striker, Alessia’s goals often take the spotlight – but she brings so much more to our group. She’s a selfless player, working so hard for the team, and she also contributes so much to our team culture.”
