Alessia Russo has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal.
Russo, 26, has been an important figure for Arsenal since joining the club from Manchester United on a free transfer in July 2023.
The England international’s previous terms were due to expire next summer.
“Arsenal feels like home,” Russo told Arsenal’s in-house media. “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.
“I’m so proud of everything we’ve achieved together as a club, with our supporters driving us forward. But I’m still so hungry for more success, and I know that’s shared by everyone here at the club.”
Russo finished the 2024-25 season as the joint-top goalscorer in the Women’s Super League, alongside Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw, with 12 goals in 21 appearances.
She played an instrumental role in Arsenal’s Champions League-winning campaign last season, scoring eight goals in 15 matches, as the north London club lifted the European trophy for just the second time in their history. They also finished second in the WSL.
Russo helped England to defend the European Championship in Switzerland this summer, scoring the equaliser against Spain in the final before Sarina Wiegman’s side won on penalties. The striker recorded two goals and three assists in the tournament.
Russo was named the Football Writers’ Association Women’s Footballer of the Year for the 2024-25 season, was included in the PFA WSL Team of the Year and was also among 30 shortlisted players for the Women’s Ballon d’Or.
She spent three years at United before joining Arsenal in the summer of 2023. The previous January she had been the subject of a £500,000 bid from the north London club, which at the time would have stood as a world-record fee should it have been accepted.
Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers said: “Alessia is a really important part of our group and I’m so pleased that she has signed a new deal here. 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. I’m looking forward to striving for more together.”
Arsenal begin their season at home to the newly-promoted London City Lionesses on Saturday.
(Photo: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
