Arsenal Women have been handed a blow in their pursuit of forward Alessia Russo as Manchester United have ended negotiations, according to reports.
The Gunners are prioritising a forward on deadline day with both Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema out with long-term ACL injuries. Reports emerged on Monday night suggesting Arsenal had tabled a record-breaking bid for Russo, who is in the final few months of her deal at United.
However, as the 5pm WSL transfer deadline looms, it has become increasingly clear Russo will not be on the move this window as the Manchester club look to keep ahold of one of their star players amid a title race. According to The Telegraph, United have ruled out selling the England star this month and insist she is not for sale at any price.
READ MORE: WSL January transfer round-up as window into final stages for London clubs
Reports suggested Arsenal's offer for Russo was in the region of £500,000, which would have been a world-record fee for a player in the women's game. Lioness Keira Walsh is currently the most expensive female footballer in history after Barcelona paid £400,000 to sign her in the summer.
Russo is out of contract in the summer and United risk losing her for nothing in just a few months if a new contract cannot be agreed. For Arsenal, a forward remains a priority in the closing hours of the window.
According to BBC Sport, the Gunners are also believed to be chasing Lyon's Signe Bruun. However, that deal is also complicated due to the French club's reluctance to sell.
The WSL transfer window shuts at 5pm for clubs in England, but they'll have until midnight to wrap up any international moves.
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