Alessia Russo: 5 reasons Man United star is worthy of record transfer fee | OneFootball

Alessia Russo was the talk of the January transfer window after Arsenal offered a record-breaking amount to sign her from Manchester United.

Looking to bolster their attack, the Gunners tabled a reported mouthwatering £500,000 for the Lioness, which would have made her the most expensive female footballer on the planet.

Despite Russo's contract coming to an end this summer, United rejected the offer as they remain focused on challenging for the Women's Super League title.

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It is impossible to predict whether Russo will sign a new contract with her current club, or if she will be looking for a new opportunity in the summer.

French giants Lyon have also reportedly shown interest in the striker.

But whatever her choice, she will surely continue to attract interest from other clubs. Here's why she is worthy of a record-breaking transfer fee.

Young and on the rise

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Alessia Russo of England celebrates after the final whistle of the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 final match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium on July 31, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)

Russo is still just 24 years old, which is a great middle ground between a veteran player and a young prospect.

While she certainly has bags of experience already on the domestic and international stage, she also has a lot of time ahead of her to grow and improve.

If she opts for a move away from Old Trafford in the summer, she will add an injection of young energy to a more experienced team, or provide a younger team with important experience.

Euro 2022 magic

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Alessia Russo and Ella Toone of England celebrate with the UEFA Women's EURO trophy following their team's victory in the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 final match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium on July 31, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander/Getty Images)

Russo produced one of the moments of the tournament at Euro 2022 when she scored an audacious back-heel goal in England's 4-0 win over Sweden.

The forward had been on the pitch a little more than 10 minutes after replacing Ellen White, and she immediately made her mark on the semi-final clash.

After her first shot was saved, Russo flicked the rebound in with her heel to score a delicious goal that was later nominated for the 2022 Puskas Award.

Video: Alessia Russo's back-heel goal at Euro 2022

Making history at Old Trafford

Russo stamped her name in the Man United history books last year when she became the first women's player to score in front of fans at Old Trafford.

She contributed to the 3-1 win over Everton to make it an extra special occasion for the supporters.

United had previously played at the Theatre of Dreams but due to Covid-19 restrictions, fans were not permitted to be in attendance.

Now, Russo can always say she played a part in a huge piece of Man United Women's history.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: Alessia Russo of Manchester United celebrates after scoring their team's third goal during the Barclays FA Women's Super League match between Manchester United Women and Everton Women at Old Trafford on March 27, 2022 in Leigh, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Statement goal vs Arsenal

Perhaps one of the many reasons Arsenal are so keen on Russo is the fact they have experienced her skill first hand.

Back in November, the Gunners were left disappointed after United sank them in a 3-2 loss at the Emirates. Who else but Russo to be on-hand and net the last gasp winner?

Video: Alessia Russo scores last-minute winner over Arsenal at the Emirates

The match had reached stoppage time and despite Arsenal's best efforts to cling onto the draw, the United star popped up with a crucial header to claim all three points, which could prove to make a huge difference at the end of the season.

Rapid rise to England icon

It's hard to believe Russo only had a handful of England call-ups before making history with the Lionesses last summer.

But despite having less experience than most, her England portfolio is certainly not one to ignore.

In just 17 senior caps, Russo has scored 10 goals and won two trophies, including the historic Euro 2022.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Lena Oberdorf of Germany is challenged by Alessia Russo of England during the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 final match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium on July 31, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Few players can say they have won major silverware so early in their international career.

Russo has always been a reliable option for England and her impressive goal return proves this already.

Her first international goals came in November 2021 — a hat-trick against Latvia. Not only did the scoreline set a new record, but Russo's 11-minute treble became the fastest England hat-trick in history.

Right now, Russo’s full focus is on Man United’s WSL title challenge. However, more transfer talks could well emerge once the season is over.