England striker Alessia Russo will leave Manchester United at the end of June: Arsenal linked with Maidstone-born forward again

England striker Alessia Russo has announced her departure from WSL side Manchester United.

The 24-year-old Maidstone-born forward is reported to be joining Arsenal, the side who were also interested in her in the previous transfer window.

Manchester United reportedly turned down a potential world-record transfer fee for Russo in January from the Gunners, hoping that they could persuade her to sign a new deal at Old Trafford.

Instead, Russo revealed her departure in a brief post on social media. “It’s been the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make,” she said. “Manchester United, thank you for everything.”

She’ll officially leave the club at the end of June. Russo joined United in September 2020 after returning from America.

She was part of the England women’s squad that won the Euros last summer. Her goal against Sweden – a cheeky and innovative close-range backheel - was awarded Goal of the Tournament by UEFA and was later nominated for the 2022 FIFA Puskás Award.

She has 21 England caps to her name and was named in the England squad for next month’s World Cup at the end of May.