'I’m still so hungry for more success' - Lionesses star Alessia Russo signs new long-term Arsenal contract ahead of new WSL season

Russo joined the Gunners back in 2023, having left Man Utd on a free, and had a career-best season last term which saw her earn a share of the Women's Super League Golden Boot and help fire the club to an incredible Champions League triumph. She was also voted the Football Writers' Player of the Year for her efforts.

Arsenal fans will be delighted by the news that she has tied her long-term future to the club now, having become a crucial player as the starting centre forward in Renee Slegers' team. If the Gunners are to sustain a serious title charge in the 2025-26 season, the England striker will almost certainly be instrumental.

"Arsenal feels like home," Russo said upon the announcement. "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. I can’t wait to get started this season, starting with this Saturday at Emirates Stadium."

Head coach Slegers added: "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."

It's not just been a good year for Russo on the Arsenal front, either. Earlier this summer, she was a key player in England's second successive European Championship triumph, scoring the crucial equaliser in the final against Spain. It helped the Lionesses emerge as champions of Europe once more, just six weeks after Russo had claimed that title in the club game through the Champions League.

Russo will be keen to carry the momentum she had last season into this new one, which begins for Arsenal on Saturday. The Gunners host newly-promoted London City Lionesses, who have spent big this summer and have a squad that features several former Arsenal players, including Danielle van de Donk and Nikita Parris.