Pien Meulensteen believes new signing Alessia Russo will help Arsenal challenge champions Chelsea for the Women's Super League crown this season.

The striker, 24, joined the Gunners during the summer on a free transfer from Manchester United after bagging 10 league goals last term.

And Meulensteen thinks the England star can play a key role for Jonas Eidevall's side as both a starter and a "game-changer".

The Sky Sports commentator told LiveScore: "For Arsenal, she's a great option. Russo has already scored her first few goals and seems to be fitting in really well with the squad.

"Arsenal have got some really good attacking options and that depth will help them turn games around if something's not working.

"Russo's just a natural finisher. Who doesn't want that in their team? I see her as a starter for Arsenal.

"But it's the same thing with the Lionesses... does she start or does she come on and change the game?

"That's what has changed in modern football. You're not known as being a 'sub' anymore, you're seen as a 'game-changer'.

"I think Russo can play both roles. But for me, with the way she has begun at Arsenal, I see her as a starter."

Chelsea's challengers

Russo scored her first two goals for Arsenal in their Champions League qualifier defeat to Paris FC earlier this month — and Meulensteen thinks that shock exit can benefit them in their quest for WSL glory.

She added: "[With challengers], you can't really say anyone other than Arsenal.

"They've made some great signings and the experienced players like Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema are coming back from serious injuries with a point to prove.

"And I think the fact they got knocked out the Champions League early might give them more of a push in the WSL, particularly as Chelsea will have eyes elsewhere at times with their European commitments."

United's new era

Arsenal finished third behind runners-up United last season but the loss of Russo could see the Red Devils slip below their rivals again. 

However, the signings of Hinata Miyazawa and Geyse may soften the blow of her exit, with the latter scoring in the recent 3-1 pre-season victory over Liverpool.

Meulensteen added: "Russo will obviously be a big miss for United. She was a key player in terms of their success in attack.

"Of course, United have made a couple of good signings, particularly World Cup Golden Boot winner Miyazawa.

 "She gives Marc Skinner a really good option up front, so we'll just have to wait and see how much they miss Russo."

Watch 35 Women's Super League fixtures exclusively live on Sky Sports and NOW this season, kicking off from October 1.