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    Arsenal stars hit with furious fan backlash after posting video of stars ‘blanking’ young mascot

    ARSENAL stars have been slammed after appearing to ignore a young mascot as they signed her shirt.The Gunners’ title hopes suffered a major blow as they were held to a 2-2 draw at West Ham on Sunday.
    Arsenal shared a clip of their players signing a shirt for their mascot at West Ham on SundayCredit: Twitter
    Fans were quick to criticise it as the players barely acknowledged the youngsterCredit: Twitter

    Mikel Arteta’s side were led out on to the pitch at the London Stadium by a young girl after she was picked to be their mascot for the day.
    But their was a fierce backlash online after footage showed her meeting all of her heroes when they arrived at the ground.
    Arsenal’s cameras were on hand to capture the moment as she stood outside the dressing-room holding a jersey while the players arrived.
    Each member of Arteta’s team stopped to sign the shirt, but it appeared that they hardly said a word to the young Gooner and quickly moved on.
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    Arsenal shared the clip before kick-off against the Hammers, captioning it with: “Making memories with our mascot.”
    However, eagle-eyed viewers of the video were quick to hit at the players for hardly interacting or even acknowledging the kid.
    Sun Sport columnist and Talk TV host Piers Morgan tweeted: “Come on guys, at least one of you say hello to her?!!”
    “Somebody please say hello to the poor girl,” blasted one.
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    Another said: “Look how much she loves Martin Odegaard – one smile and hello from him would have made her year!”
    A fellow fan said: “Interaction with the girl makes memories not just signing a shirt.”
    Another asked: “Not a single player fancy saying hello to her?”
    “Look how much hope and adoration she has in her face and how much just a smile, nod and/or hello would have made her day,” wrote a fellow angry supporter.
    “Absolutely blanked the poor kid,” commented another viewer of the clip.
    Another said: “Sad not one player even looks at the girl or acknowledges her.”
    While another tweeted: “Memories of being blanked by your heroes.”
    As another fumed: “Obviously too much of a stretch to say. ‘Hi thanks for being our mascot today.’”
    The girl’s father has since taken to Twitter to insist she had a great afternoon, writing: “My daughter had a lovely time as mascot for Arsenal. There was only a small window to meet the players and she enjoyed it very much.
    “[Martin] Odegaard is her favourite player so to hold his hand onto the pitch was very special.”
    However, after the viral clip sparked much debate, TalkSport host and avid Arsenal fan Laura Woods admitted that it was a bad look.

    But she also moved to add some more context to the debate after speaking with the club.
    She said on talkSPORT Breakfast: “I agree, it doesn’t take a lot just to acknowledge somebody with a smile. I think that video is quite symptomatic of football and footballers now.”
    Laura Woods has discussed the incident on TalkSPORT this morningCredit: Getty
    Woods then added: “To add a little bit of context, I actually messaged the club because I think they thought ‘they all stopped and signed the shirt this is great’.
    “Maybe that in itself is the problem that there’s now a disconnect between what you’re meant to do for those kinds of mascots.
    “The club did say it’s part of a matchday experience so that’s not the only interaction she had with the players.
    “She was a mascot, she went out on the pitch with them, she would have been on the pitch with them during warm-ups.
    “I think there’s a lot of things we don’t see, but that’s not excusing that video because I watched it a couple of times over and in my head thought ‘oh wait was it cut off afterwards, maybe they did [acknowledge her]’ and I went back and watched it and they didn’t.
    “Maybe it’s quite a good lesson, the reaction of the normal fans. It’s a pre-match routine and I get that, you’re in your bubble, but it doesn’t really take long just to make eye contact.
    “I watched that little girl and the way she’s waiting for eye contact or any sort of acknowledgement.
    “The Young Gunners get these incredible experiences so I’m hoping somewhere else along the line she had a great day and got that interaction but in that moment, what does it take to just say hi?”
    Fellow talkSPORT host Ally McCoist then added: “I thought it was shocking, I’ve been saying for a while now the gap between a footballer and the fan is bigger than it’s ever been.
    “That was agony watching that, I was watching it thinking someone must give her a pat on the head or something, but nothing.”
    Meanwhile, the youngster was not the only one looking for autographs from the Premier League leaders.
    West Ham’s Declan Rice was spotted getting Odegaard’s signature after the game.
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    England star Rice loves collecting jerseys from his biggest rivals, and boasts an incredible collection featuring the likes of Mason Mount, Harry Kane and Jack Grealish.
    But fans were all saying the same thing as they believe that the interaction with Odegaard was a clear sign that Rice is going to join them this summer. More

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    Arsenal offer Reiss Nelson new deal with bumper pay-rise but fear winger will still join London rivals on free transfer

    ARSENAL have offered Reiss Nelson a new deal but fear he could join another Premier League side on a free transfer, according to reports.The winger’s contract is set to expire at the end of this season.
    Reiss Nelson is wanted by a host of Premier League clubsCredit: Getty
    Arsenal have opened talks with him over a new deal and offered to increase his £35,0000-a-week wages,
    However, the Mail claim he could reject the proposal in the hunt for more regular first-team action.
    West Ham are among the teams interested in Nelson with the player settled in his home city of London.
    The likes of Fulham, Aston Villa and Brighton are also keeping tabs on the 23-year-old’s situation.
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    Villa boss Unai Emery is supposedly keen to work with Nelson again after managing him at the Gunners.
    There is also interest coming from Europe via Serie A giants AC Milan.
    Nelson has played 12 times in all competitions this season for Arsenal after battling a thigh issue that ruled him out of 17 games this campaign.
    He has netted three goals and grabbed three assists with his best moment coming when he scored a last-gasp winner in a 3-2 victory over Bournemouth.
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    Nelson spent last season out on loan at Feyenoord and helped them reach the Conference League final.
    Rumours suggest that if he was to leave the club then Arsenal could look to replace him with Crystal Palace ace Wilfried Zaha.
    The Ivorian is out of contract this summer and has also been linked with Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and Saudi Arabian clubs Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad. More

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    Arsenal blow with William Saliba NOT recovering in time for Premier League title-decider vs Man City

    ARSENAL have been handed a big blow as William Saliba will reportedly miss the vital Premier League clash against Manchester City.The Gunners face their title rivals on April 26 at the Etihad Stadium.
    William Saliba will miss the clash against Manchester CityCredit: Getty
    The Citizens closed the gap on Arsenal to just four points on the weekend with their win over Leicester City.
    Arsenal had the chance to increase their lead over Man City back to seven points but threw away a 2-0 lead against West Ham to draw.
    Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand on the North London side, but will not play a Premier League game until the clash in Manchester.
    Arsenal will have to face City without the help of defender Saliba, according to the Evening Standard.
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    The Frenchman is not expected to recover from the injury that he picked up in the Europa League clash against Sporting Lisbon.
    Arteta said on his injury last week: “He’s progressing well and we’re hopeful that we’ll have him available in the next few weeks.
    “We’ll have to see.”
    The Frenchman will remain on the treatment table with Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
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    The pair have been ruled out for the remainder of the season with their injuries. However Oleksandr Zinchenko will be back in contention.
    The Ukrainian defender missed the draw against the Hammers with a groin issue.
    But it is thought he will be back in time to face Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on Friday evening. More

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    Man Utd and Arsenal transfer target spotted wearing LIVERPOOL shirt as Jurgen Klopp prepares deal to poach midfielder

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal have been dealt a blow to their transfer plans.It comes after a picture emerged online of target Ryan Gravenberch wearing a Liverpool shirt.

    Jurgen Klopp wants to overhaul his midfield in the summerCredit: Alamy
    Ryan Gravenberch will reportedly be available for as little as £25millionCredit: Getty
    The Bayern Munich midfielder, 20, was seen wearing the Reds shirt from the 2019/20 season.
    The photo may come as a major boost to Liverpool.
    Jurgen Klopp is desperate to freshen up his ageing midfield with some new signings.
    The Times report Gravenberch will cost just £25million in the summer, putting him well within top clubs’ budgets.
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    The Dutchman represents a much cheaper alternative to Jude Bellingham.
    Liverpool pulled out of the race to sign the Englishman after being quoted a price of £130m by Borussia Dortmund.

    Dutch outlet De Telegraaf have reported Gravenberch is open to a move to Liverpool following a meeting between his representatives and the club last week.
    Gravenberch has struggled for game time since moving to Germany from Ajax last summer.
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    He has started just once in the Bundesliga but has come on as a sub 17 times.
    Both Man Utd and Arsenal are also looking for central midfielders.
    The Gunners have been targeting Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo for some time, while United remain keen on Frenkie de Jong. More

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    Aston Villa to battle Brighton for Reiss Nelson as Arsenal line up Premier League star as transfer replacement

    ASTON VILLA are plotting a raid on Arsenal for Reiss Nelson, according to reports.Villa have been resurgent under ex-Gunners boss Unai Emery and are knocking on the door of European qualification.
    Aston Villa have entered the running to sign Reiss NelsonCredit: Alamy
    Arsenal could sign Wilfried Zaha on a freeCredit: Getty
    And if they qualify for the Europa League there could be several reinforcements in the summer.
    Emery is keen to re-unite with Nelson having been impressed with the winger during his spell at The Emirates, according to the Daily Mail.
    Nelson has struggled to establish himself as a first-team player at Arsenal in recent years, though he does have three goals in five Premier League appearances this season.
    He scored a vital last-gasp winner against Bournemouth in March and his performances have attracted interest from Brighton.
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    Nelson is out of contract in the summer and Ligue Un side Nice look set to table the 23-year-old an offer.
    Arsenal could reportedly replace Nelson with another free agent this summer – Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha.
    Arsenal were interested in Zaha back in 2019 but instead opted to sign Nicolas Pepe from Lille.
    The likes of Bundesliga duo Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are also keen on snapping up the Ivorian international on a free transfer.
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    Ligue 1 side Monaco are also in the race but may reportedly be priced out.
    Zaha wants to stay in Europe and play Champions League level football next season.
    However, he is set to be offered lucrative deals by Saudi Arabian sides Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad that could tempt him away. More

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    Man Utd and Liverpool transfer boost as Alexis Mac Allister ‘will 100% quit Brighton’ in summer

    ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER is set to leave Brighton at the end of the season, according to reports.The 24-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Amex Stadium since his World Cup triumph with Argentina in December.
    Mac Allister is set to leave Brighton at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
    And according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, he is “100% guaranteed” to leave when the summer transfer window opens.
    Romano tweeted: “Understand Alexis Mac Allister and his camp consider summer move as 100% guaranteed. The expectation is for an early transfer.
    “Alexis will give his best for Brighton until June.
    “Liverpool and Man United will discuss with player side soon.”
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    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly made Mac Allister his top transfer target last week after the Reds pulled out of the race to sign Borussia Dortmund and England midfielder Jude Bellingham.
    Dortmund have set an asking price of £130million for Bellingham which has been deemed far too expensive by Liverpool officials.
    Instead, they have turned their attention to Mac Allister, who is expected to cost around £80m.
    However, several other clubs including Man Utd, Chelsea, Man City and Arsenal have also expressed an interest in signing him so a bidding war could ensue.
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    Mac Allister’s father, Carlos, recently revealed that the midfielder will likely seek a move away at the end of the season.
    He said: “Normally, the upcoming transfer market will find him playing for another club, we don’t know which one yet as the talks are starting.

    “It’s very likely that Alexis will be playing in another team in the summer.”
    Mac Allister joined Brighton from South American side Argentinos Juniors for £7million in 2019 on a four-and-a-half-year deal.
    He agreed a 12-month contract extension in October, meaning his current deal expires in June 2025.
    Brighton also have the option of extending his contract for another year. More

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    Arsenal fans ALL say the same thing as Declan Rice spotted asking Martin Odegaard for his autograph after West Ham draw

    ARSENAL fans are all saying the same thing after Declan Rice was seen asking Martin Odegaard for an AUTOGRAPH.The midfield stars faced off on the pitch on Sunday as West Ham hosted Arsenal in a London derby.
    Declan Rice sent Arsenal fans wild as he asked for Martin Odegaard’s autographCredit: BEIN Sports
    The duo collided on the field as West Ham held Arsenal to a 2-2 drawCredit: Reuters
    Odegaard scored as Arsenal went 2-0 up inside 10 minutes.
    But West Ham produced an incredible comeback as they secured a 2-2 draw to dent the Gunners’ title hopes.
    After the match, Rice and Odegaard were seen deep in talks.
    An Arsenal jersey bearing the Norwegian’s name and number was then produced.
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    And Rice held it tight as Odegaard autographed the shirt with his signature.
    England star Rice loves collecting jerseys from his biggest rivals, and boasts an incredible collection featuring the likes of Mason Mount, Harry Kane and Jack Grealish.
    But Arsenal fans saw the interaction with Odegaard as a clear sign that Rice is going to join them this summer.
    The powerhouse is looking to leave West Ham in search of Champions League football.
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    Rice is an avid collector of football shirtsCredit: Declan Rice Instagram
    The ace boasts jerseys belonging to some of the best ever, both past and presentCredit: Declan Rice Instagram
    And Mikel Arteta is understood to have made Rice one of his top targets.
    One fan said: “Rice is gagging to leave West Ham, wow.”
    Another declared: “He is ours. He wants us.”
    One noted: “100 per cent going to Arsenal.”
    Another added: “He could have waited until the summer when on the same but I can’t blame the guy.”
    Speaking after the game, Odegaard urged Arsenal team-mates to keep their heads up despite handing advantage to Man City in the title race.
    He said: “We have to remember we are still top of the league with everything in our own hands.
    “The same mindset, same mentality to make sure we win the next one.
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    “We started well then stopped, allowed them to play on their qualities.
    “We gave them the game they wanted, we gave them hope and that’s on us. We have to look forward now.” More

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    Arsenal face approach from RB Leipzig over Folarin Balogun transfer as replacement for Chelsea-bound Christopher Nkunku

    FOLARIN BALOGUN is reportedly attracting interest from RB Leipzig as they search for a replacement for Chelsea-bound Christopher Nkunku.Arsenal starlet Balogun, 21, has had a fantastic season on loan at Reims, with 18 goals in 29 Ligue 1 games so far this season.
    Balogun is attracting interest from clubs across Europe following his exploits at ReimsCredit: AFP
    Only Kylian Mbappe and another Chelsea target Jonathan David have scored more goals in the French top flight.
    The Arsenal loanee’s form hasn’t gone unnoticed.
    And, with the Gunners unlikely to be able to offer Balogun a regular starting spot up front next season, clubs across Europe are monitoring his situation.
    Fichajes claim that RB Leipzig are one of the sides set to slug it out for Balogun’s services, with Nkunku set to depart for Chelsea this summer.
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    The report adds that the German outfit are looking to add a goalscorer to their ranks to complement Timo Werner, and the incoming Benjamin Sesko from RB Salzburg.
    Arsenal will be delighted with Balogun’s progress, but his sudden rise presents them with a problem.
    Balogun has two years remaining on his Arsenal deal but will return to the Emirates at the end of the season with his future up in the air.
    And the Gunners will weigh up what would be an acceptable offer for the striker in the close season.
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    The 21 year old has been with the Gunners since he was an eight-year-old.
    But he wants to continue being a first-choice striker when his loan spell ends after his breakout season in France.
    Arsenal are already well stocked up top, with Eddie Nketiah ably deputising for Gabriel Jesus when the Brazilian was injured earlier in the campaign. More