Renee Slegers thrilled to keep ‘impressive player’ Alessia Russo at Arsenal

Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers promised there is more to come from Alessia Russo after the England forward signed a new long-term deal on the eve of the Women’s Super League season.

The 26-year-old, who has scored 36 goals in 72 games since joining from Manchester United in 2023, would have been out of contract next summer, but she has committed her future to the European champions as they seek to end a six-year wait for the WSL title.

Russo’s stock is at an all-time high after her headed goal in the Euro 2025 final again Spain in July helped the Lionesses to win their second successive European Championship title.

“She’s such an impressive player to work with,” said Slegers, whose team begin their league campaign against newly-promoted London City Lionesses at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

“It’s not only what you see on the pitch every week, it’s what she does every single day.

“We talk a lot about the everyday, what we do here in the building, and she invests so much. You can see how that work comes out in games. We’re so proud she’s part of Arsenal.”

London City Lionesses boss Jocelyn Precheur said he intervened personally to try and secure a move for Russo’s Arsenal team-mate Beth Mead.

“I talked with her,” he said. “It was a pleasure to talk with such a wonderful player. She decided to stay at Arsenal and I respect this choice and this player.”

Manchester United begin their WSL campaign at home to Leicester on Sunday.

Reflecting on the decision of England midfielder Grace Clinton to depart for Manchester City this week, boss Marc Skinner said: “I want to thank Grace. We as managers can have personal relationships with players and we can see things differently.

“We want to learn from the past mistakes and if people don’t want to be here then we need to find the best solution for Manchester United. Grace had made her decision, that’s what she wanted to do.”

Elsewhere on the opening weekend, Tottenham begin their campaign at home to West Ham whilst the first Merseyside derby of the season takes place at Anfield between Liverpool and Everton.

Aston Villa, for whom Rachel Daly was named captain on Friday, open away to Brighton.