Arsenal Women submit stunning ‘world-record’ bid for Manchester United star

Arsenal Women have made a world-record bid for Manchester United Women’s Alessia Russo, according to David Ornstein.

The 23-year-old has been in talks with the United over a new contract, with her current deal up in the summer.

However, thus far there has been no agreement over extending her deal.

According to the Athletic transfer guru Ornstein, Russo could now move to Arsenal, after the Gunners submitted a massive proposal for the striker.

While the figure has not been specified yet, Arsenal’s bid is believed to be in excess of the record £400,000 Manchester City paid for Keira Walsh.

United are yet to accept Arsenal’s proposal, according to Ornstein.

Arsenal need goals

Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall has spoken about his desire to add goals to his side after Beth Mead and Vivienne Miedema suffered long-term injuries.

Eidevall admitted earlier this month: “I would be disappointed if we can’t bring in a prolific goalscorer in addition to the signings already.

“That should be a really important priority for us in this window with the number and the level of games we are playing.”

Russo has netted five times in nine Women’s Super League games this season, while she was a key part of England’s EURO winning side last summer.

Indeed, the forward scored a stunning back heel in the semi-final against Sweden - one of her four goals of the competition.

Across her Lionesses career, she has 17 caps for the senior side, scoring 10 goals.

Whether United sanction the move is uncertain, given they are in direct competition with the Gunners at the summit of the WSL.

Mark Skinner’s side are top of the league but are being pursued by Chelsea in second. Meanwhile, Arsenal are third, three points behind United.

The transfer deadline for domestic deals in the WSL is 5pm on Tuesday, January 31. Meanwhile women's clubs have until midnight the same day to make international deals.