Former Man Utd and Lionesses forward to be Arsenal player ‘within hours’

The Lionesses forward has been heavily linked with a move to Women’s Super League rivals Arsenal and the move could be rubber stamped ‘within hours’ according to reports.

On Friday both the club and player confirmed Russo would depart the club upon the expiry of her contract this month and, according to journalist Bruno Ahoyo, the 24-year-old striker could be confirmed as a Gunners player ‘within hours’.

Russo was subject of a world record bid of £500,000 from the North London side in January but Marc Skinner’s side rebuffed all offers for their prized asset with the United head coach insisting he was “hopeful” she would agree a new deal with the club “working hard behind the scenes”.

However, alongside star defender Ona Batlle, the club have been unable to convince Russo her future lies in Manchester and Jonas Eidevall’s Arsenal are now confident they have won the race for her signature this summer.

Linked to Lyon and American outfit Washington Spirit, Ahoyo claims “offers from NWSL did not convince the advisers of the English striker” and has also ruled out French giants Lyon as Arsenal close in on a move that will be extremely unpopular with the United fanbase.