Arsenal have completed the signing of England striker Alessia Russo.

The 24-year-old is joining on a free transfer after her contract with Manchester United expired.

Arsenal have been tracking Russo since January and failed with two bids for her then, with the second worth a world record fee of around £500,000.

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“Alessia is one of the best forwards in the world and has significant potential to continue growing and improving,” said Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall.

“She has a proven track record of scoring goals in the WSL and at international level and we believe she will be a quality addition to our forward line, so we’re all delighted to have brought her to the club.”

Russo joins Arsenal after spending three years at Manchester United, where she scored 26 goals in 59 appearances in all competitions.

The striker is due to lead the line for England at the Women’s World Cup this summer and has scored 11 goals in 21 appearances for the Lionesses.

Russo scored four goals off the bench as England won the Euros last summer and is now targeting trophies with Arsenal.

“I’m really excited to be here and I can’t wait to get going,” she said.

“I want to win trophies – as does everyone in this club. I can’t wait to get stuck in and grow as a player – it’s a new challenge and a new environment.”

Arsenal have looked to strengthen their attack this summer after coming third in the WSL behind champions Chelsea and Manchester United.

The Gunners also reached the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League, narrowly losing out to Wolfsburg in front of a sold-out crowd at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal want to compete both domestically and in Europe next season, with Russo viewed as a statement signing.

“I think the growth of the women’s game has been incredible, but particularly at a club like Arsenal,” she said.

“The sell-out against Wolfsburg at Emirates Stadium last season was fantastic, and I’m just really excited to be part of this club.”

Russo will wear her favourite No23 shirt at Arsenal, as she will for England at the World Cup, and will form part of a formidable attack.

Arsenal already have England star Beth Mead in their squad and WSL record goalscorer Vivianne Miedema, too.

Head of Women’s Football at Arsenal, Clare Wheatley, said: “We’re delighted to have signed Alessia and I’m sure our supporters will be excited by this news.

“Alessia is a very talented footballer who fits the profile of player we want to bring to this club. We believe she has a high ceiling for further development and we are confident that we can go to the next level together.”