Eidevall ‘disappointed’ not to have signed another player in January window amid reported Russo bids

JONAS EIDEVALL admits this January’s transfer window was a “difficult one” for Arsenal.

He was speaking days after Manchester United reportedly turned down two record-breaking bids from the Gunners to sign Alessia Russo.

GettyJonas Eidevall hoped to add one more forward to Arsenal’s ranks ahead of last month’s transfer deadline[/caption]

GettyVictoria Pelova (right) joined Arsenal this January along with Denmark forward Kathrine Kuhl[/caption]

AlamyMan United striker Alessia Russo is reported to have been the target of two transfer bids from Arsenal[/caption]

The second of the two offers, claimed to have been rejected on transfer deadline day, is thought to have been nearly £500,000. 

Eidevall, 40, whose side are in a race for the title, insists the Gunners did their utmost to bring in another forward. 

His comments today come two days after Red Devils boss Marc Skinner said United are “hopeful” of agreeing a new deal with Russo.

He insists United would do “everything in their power” to try and seal a new deal with Russo whose current contract expires this summer. 

Eidevall admitted it was a tough task to find a club willing to sell “quality players”.

The Arsenal head coach told reporters: “I was clear in the window that we needed another forward. 

“I know the club worked hard, but it was a very difficult transfer window, not to find players who wanted to join Arsenal, but to find clubs that want to sell quality players in this window.

“That was very tricky, we were not successful, and of course we are disappointed with that. 

“Last summer we got one player too little, now we have done that again here in January.

“I’m disappointed. Over time these things have a big impact.

“Now we have to look forward and make the best of the situation. I still have a squad with a lot of qualities who I believe in a lot.”

On Sunday Arsenal, who are currently third in the WSL, will face West Ham away at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. 

The Gunners, who have a game in hand on Chelsea and leaders United, are currently three points behind their rivals. 

Eidevall, whose team claimed a 3-1 win in the reverse fixture, added: “West Ham have proven to be a real threat in their aerial abilities especially with (their striker Dagny) Brynjarsdottir. 

2We knew from the game that we played against them in the autumn that they pose a lot of different threats and challenges to the way that we play.

“We will need to have a top game in order to get the victory.”

Meanwhile West Ham have recently strengthened their forward ranks with Denmark ace Amalie Threstrup joining on deadline day from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven. 

And the Irons have also bolstered their defensive ranks signing former Gunners centre-back Shannon Cooke from US college side Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers.

Irons boss Paul Konchesky said: “We knew we had those two additions coming in, so there wasn’t really any stress – we managed to get them both done in plenty of time. 

“Amalie will give us a lot of work ethic and add experience to the team. 

PAPaul Konchesky will be hoping to guide seventh-placed West Ham to their first win in the WSL against Arsenal[/caption]

“And Shannon is young, but she’s got leadership qualities that we like. 

“She does everything that West Ham fans will love when it comes to defending.

“Shannon loves to get stuck in, but she can also play out with the ball – we’re pleased to have her here.”