Arsenal are trying to sign another striker if they cannot pull off a Deadline Day move for Alessia Russo and are in negotiations with Lyon for Signe Bruun.
The Gunners, who had a world-record bid for Russo rejected by Manchester United, are in talks with Lyon for Bruun but discussions are complicated given the late bid.
Bruun joined United on loan on Deadline Day last January and is thought to be open to a similar move to north London.
Arsenal have until midnight to get a deal for Bruun, who has made 29 appearances for Denmark, as it is an international transfer.
Arsenal’s offer for Russo was rebuffed by United with the current Women’s Super League leaders unwilling to sell the striker so close to Tuesday’s 5pm WSL deadline and to reinforce a rival.
United have been in contract talks with the England star for months but have made little progress.
Russo is therefore free to talk to clubs outside England about a summer move and there has been interest from clubs in the United States.
The current world record for a player is around £400k when Keira Walsh moved to Barcelona from Man City in September 2022.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Anton Toloui and former Arsenal defender Gilly Flaherty discuss Arsenal targets Alessia Russo and Signe Bruun, as well as other transfer news from across the WSL
Will Arsenal land a big-name striker?
Sky Sports News’ Anton Toloui:
“Arsenal came in yesterday with a rather large offer for Alessia Russo. Russo is out of contract at the end of the season, which means that she can talk to any club that she wants outside of England right now about a summer move, but Arsenal want the deal done right now, hence the big fee.
“Manchester United came back to them last night and said ‘no, we’re not willing to sell’. United are top of the league, they’re direct title rivals, they do not want to sell. However, now we’re waiting to see whether Arsenal will think ‘actually, no, there is a fee that could get this deal done.
“So, at the moment, it’s a state of brinkmanship, but the deadline in the WSL for domestic deals is 5pm, so they haven’t got long.
“Arsenal do have a backup plan – that’s Signe Bruun who is a Lyon striker, who was at Manchester United on loan briefly last season, only started two games because of injury. However, it’s my understanding that Lyon don’t want to lose her so late in the window because they don’t have time to find a replacement.
“So, Arsenal are trying to get two big-name strikers in – hopefully, they’ll get one of them, at the moment, they’re getting barriers for both.”
Follow the January transfer window with Sky Sports
Who will be on the move this winter? Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.
