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When Arsenal splurged on Nicolas Pepe in summer 2019, they believed the then-LOSC Lille wide attacker will take them to the next level.

Even though the club’s decision-makers went against the wishes of former boss Unai Emery, who wanted Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha, the majority of supporters were excited about Pepe.

Despite the high fee, his age, quality and end product indicated they hadn’t only made the right decision to opt for the younger Ivory Coast attacker, but also found someone to share the final-third burden with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexander Lacazette.

Going into 2021, however, and it’s not amiss to say the big-money acquisition hasn’t delivered on his promise with the talented Bukayo Saka and previously unknown Gabriel Martinelli probably ahead in the pecking order as it stands.

Undoubtedly, the New Year will be of great significance to the 25-year-old, as he strives to win back his place in Mikel Arteta’s side.

Pepe: The story of 2020

After a bright start to the year against Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium, anyone who had intimated the wide forward wouldn’t be in Arteta’s team by the end of the year may have been dismissed.

Pepe not only scored in the impressive win over the Red Devils, he arguably gave his best performance in an Arsenal shirt on that glorious night in North London.

Nevertheless, the high point of the year came in that marvellous FA Cup run that culminated in the Gunners’ 14th title. While Aubameyang got the majority of the adulation, Pepe’s role in the semi-final and decider against Manchester City and Chelsea often falls under the radar.

Unfortunately, he has mostly failed to kick on since that final — although, this can be said for nearly every member of the side, including Auba — with his lowest moment coming at Elland Road where he received a mindless sending off against Leeds United.

While Arteta has had to make do with flashes of brilliance in the Premier League, Pepe’s been on fire on the continent, having a direct hand in six goals (three goals, three assists) in the Europa League. Nobody in the Arsenal side has more.

Now, the hope is to see the Jekyll and Hyde winger carry his form in Europe into the top flight games consistently in 2021.

Pepe: Any transfer rumours?

In truth, it would take a massive climbdown by the club to even consider selling the player in whom they invested a lot approximately 18 months ago.

Allowing any clubs to sniff around means Arsenal have admitted the West African won’t turn into the key player they imagined he’d become at the club.

While no links have so far surfaced, it’ll be quite strange for any side to take the plunge on someone whose stock has fallen significantly in the last year and a bit.

Pepe: One big ambition for 2021

Simple. For Pepe to finally show the sort of form and consistency he displayed in those final 24 months in France, irrespective of the competition for places in Arteta’s forward line.

Arsenal, for their part, do need the ROI as they hope to make a play for the top four in the second half of the season — there’s currently a nine-point deficit but nothing can be ruled out in a crazy season — and look to win the Europa League for the first time.

Pepe: One big fear for 2021

If he continues to play second fiddle to the club’s young attackers.

Indeed, this wasn’t the scenario Pepe imagined at the start of the season, but Martinelli’s return to fitness and Saka’s continued ascent don't bode well for the New Year.

Malaysia Premier League side Kelantan FC can now breath easier thanks to a recent FIFA decision.

The Red Warriors announced that the world football governing body has lifted a player signing ban it had imposed on the club early last year, for the failure to settle a former player's wage.

The club published a letter it received from FIFA's player status department, informing them that a player signing ban they had received has been lifted, after Kelantan were proven to have paid their arrears to forward, Cassio de Jesus.

"Kelantan FC are now free from any player transfer bans, and are now able to register new players for the 2021 season. Insyaallah Kelantan will be ready to compete," stated the club in the post.

FIFA had in early 2020 slapped Kelantan with a two-transfer window player signing ban for failing to fully pay De Jesus' wages, a responsibility that then fell to entreprenuer Norizam Tukiman when he purchased the club from the Kelantan FA.

Apart from the lifting of the ban, the East Coast West Malaysian side also managed to further reduce its arrears, by successfully persuading a number of their 2020 squad members to reduce their November 2020 wage by 50 per cent.

They played only one match in the month, a 3-2 defeat to UiTM FC in the final sixteen round of the Malaysia Cup that knocked them out of the competition. Even if they had won the encounter, they would not be playing in any more matches because the cup would end up getting cancelled after the final sixteen round matches were played due to rising Covid-19 cases in the country.

The Malaysian club that have picked up an unwanted reputation as a poor paymaster in the last half decade can now fully concentrate their attention on rebuilding and returning to the top tier under Norizam's ownership.

In the past week, they announced that they will lease Koperasi Gemilang Tani's pitch as their training ground, and repair work is underway. In the meantime, they are looking to promote their best youth players to the first team.

The 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) is a crucial season in the professional career of Malayali goalkeeper TP Rehenesh. The custodian had unsuccessful stints at NorthEast United and Kerala Blasters and received a lot of flak for his displays in between the sticks for the Yellow Army during the 2019-20 season. 

But things seem to have changed for him at Jamshedpur FC and Rehenesh has managed it turn his fortunes around. The keeper is currently one of the most important players in Owen Coyle's starting lineup, has started every single game he was available for selection so far for the Men of Steel. He has made more than a few brilliant saves to keep the team in the top-four mix. 

To find out why there has been such a marked difference in the levels of performances of the player at his current and previous clubs, it is worth exploring the cultural differences of how the game is viewed in these two cities. It may not be better or worse at Kerala Blasters, but it is definitely different. 

At Jamshedpur, Rehenesh has looked carefree. He has looked like he is enjoying the importance given to him by Coyle and has not looked to be under pressure from the fans at any point so far. 

“Well, I can only speak about my goalkeeper, but there are some very good goalkeepers in the league. There was the Indian international at the other end today, Gurpreet (Singh Sandhu) made some fantastic saves today. But, about Rehenesh, when I was bringing him to the club I spoke to him beforehand and told him what I needed from him," Coyle said after Jamshedpur FC's 1-0 win over Bengaluru FC.

“On the back of that, I was determined to sign him which I did. There are still areas I want him to keep improving and striving to get better. But, he is a wonderful lad and gives us everything we need from a goalkeeper,” the 54-year-old said. 

Clearly, the approach that Coyle has taken with Rehenesh and the work that the support staff have done with him has boosted the goalkeeper's confidence, which was down in the doldrums at his pervious club.

Rehenesh's performance in Kerala was very poor to say the least and it could be argued that he was a victim of social media abuse at times. His confidence was shot and he never really recovered from it. 

Seven months ago, a teary-eyed TP Rehenesh apologetically stood in front of the Kerala Blasters supporters who were present at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium after a heavy 6-3 defeat at the hands of Chennaiyin in Kochi. He had gifted his opponents a goal due to a goalkeeping blunder and both outside the stadium and on social media, the abuses being hurled at the player were unstoppable. 

Another factor to consider is the quality of defenders in front of him. So far, Rehenesh has made 27 saves, the most by any keeper in ISL this season, and kept three clean sheets (only the top two teams Mumbai City and ATK Mohun Bagan have more) in nine matches. However, he has much better leadership in front of him, thanks to the experience of Peter Hartley and Stephen Eze. 

Coyle's tactics have also helped the keeper. The former Chennaiyin coach doesn't want his team to boring but is also not a stickler for possession-based football to win matches and isn't addicted to having his goalkeepers play out from the back every single time he gets the ball. For a keeper like Rehenesh, it helps. 

It's been a phenomenal turnaround in the career of Rehenesh so far but the season is only half done. The team looks really good to be playoff contenders and the Malayali is on his way to complete a massive comeback from his disastrous stint in Kochi.

When Kerala Blasters faced Hyderabad FC on Sunday evening a feisty individual battle was being fought on the flanks between two promising youngsters in Rahul KP and Akash Mishra. 

For most parts, Mishra did well to contain the Blasters' winger, but on one occasion he was bamboozled when Rahul chose to chip the ball over his head to trick him. He is a versatile winger who can play on either flank, has pace, skill and the zeal to take on defenders in one-on-one situations. He has grown in confidence since his Indian Arrows' days and his development is on the right track. With time, if he can improve his decision making and finishing, he will be one of the most sought after players in the country. 

Mishra has been one of the bright sparks in a Hyderabad side that is going through a transition under Manuel Marquez. He was instrumental in their win against Odisha, and against Bengaluru he not only performed his defensive duties to perfection but also contributed in attack with his passing ability. In the entire match, Mishra had 68 touches on the ball and completed 39 passes, with an accuracy of 78 per cent, which is a remarkable figure for a young professional, in his early club career. In fact, after the match, his coach went on to assert that he has the potential to become the best left-back in the country. 

NorthEast United's Lalengmawia is another product from the Arrows' stable who is making a name for himself in the ISL. From the previous season itself, he is one of the undisputed starters in the team and in this campaign, he has stepped up his performances and is one of the four captains selected by coach Gerard Nus. At just 20, he became the youngest player to take the field with the armband against FC Goa on November 30, 2020. 

Along with Khassa Camara, his presence adds the much-needed steel in the Highlander's midfield. He is not only adept in winning back possession but his ball control and distribution skills help him keep the midfield ticking. No wonder, Nus has great expectations from this local lad. 

Rahul's team-mate and another defensive midfielder like Lalengmawia, Jeakson Singh is also slowly finding his feet under Kibu Vicuna. The player has had tough luck with injuries in the past but is gradually realising his potential. He has put impressive shifts at the centre of the park and likes to remain involved with the ball. In 232 minutes he has 131 touches and has a passing accuracy of 82.4 per cent. Moreover, his aerial prowess is a bonus that comes in handy during set-pieces. Against East Bengal, it was his injury-time header, almost resembling his goal in the U17 World Cup against Colombia, that salvaged a point for the Tuskers. 

But it is Chennaiyin FC who are reaping the dividends for roping in some of the best young talents from the AIFF's (All India Football Federation) developmental set up. Both Rahim Ali and Deepak Tangri have grown in stature with each passing matchday. Ali already has two goals to his name. 

Against FC Goa, he was in an offside position when Rafael Crivellaro was trying to peel off his marker. But in the nick of time, he dropped a bit to beat the line and when his skipper drilled in a low cross he was there to convert. Whereas against East Bengal, he simply brushed aside Bikash Jairu's feeble attempt to shield the ball to score Chennaiyin's second goal. 

On the other hand, Tangri is dispensing his responsibilities in midfield with maturity and composure. He is breaking up attacks and only if he could improve his passing abilities he would be an invaluable asset to Csaba Laszlo. 

Another player who is earning rave reviews is Bengaluru FC's Suresh Singh Wangjam. Yet another Indian Arrows product, Suresh came to the fore last season and has since established himself as a key player for Carles Cuadrat. Suresh is a midfielder with plenty of energy and enterprise and is often seen doing the dirty work for Bengaluru FC in midfield. His workrate means that he makes his presence felt in all areas of the pitch and is certainly one to watch out for in the near future. 

The other notable teenager who is grabbing eyeballs is Jamshedpur FC's Aniket Jadhav. He scored the winner against NorthEast United and has started in the last three matches for Owen Coyle's team which shows that he has earned the trust of the manager.

Ninthoinganba Meetei, the diminutive winger of NorthEast United, is also an Arrows product. The nimble-footed winger has also impressed whenever he has been called upon by Gerard Nus. Blessed with pace, Ninthoi is a name that is marked for greater things. 

Then there are the likes of Amarjit Singh, Narender Gahlot and Jitendra Singh (all Jamshedpur FC) have also proved themselves but have not yet impressed this season due to fitness woes. It must be noted that Amarjit and Narender have already played for the senior Indian national team!

If these names are shining bright, there are a couple of names who are waiting on the wings to prove their mettle. They are Mumbai City's Vikram Pratap Singh and Hyderabad's Rohit Danu. They have not yet got the number of minutes that they would have liked but it is also necessary to be patient. In Sergio Lobera and Marquez, there are two able managers to guide them and they are the best persons to judge when the two players are ready for the rigours of ISL. 

It must be noted that this is their first season in ISL, and with time on their side, it is a matter of when and not if, that they will announce their arrival in the premier domestic competition of India with some outlandish performances. 

Malaysia and Selangor star Brendan Gan has rubbished rumours linking him with a move to 2020 V.League 1 champions Viettel FC.

On Wednesday, the Vietnamese edition of Goal published a rumour of Viettel's interest in him, in preparation for a 2021 season that will see them taking part in the AFC Champions League group stage.

But Brendan wasted no time in quashing the hearsay himself. The following day, he wrote on his Twitter account that he intends to remain at Selangor.

The 32-year old played in 10 league games for the Red Giants in the truncated 2020 season, all as starters and scoring four league goals. He is believed to have one year remaining on his Selangor contract.

It wasn't a normal New Year's Eve, but footballers around the world still found a way to ring in 2021.

After a year in which the coronavirus pandemic upended the footballing world, several of the game's biggest names expressed their wish that 2021 would be better than the preceding year.

There were no big New Year's parties like usual, but there were still a number of players expressing their well wishes as the calendar turned from December to January. 

Here is a look at how the footballing world rang in 2021:

Chelsea have posted a profit of £32.5 million ($44.4m) in their latest set of financial results - but the club still saw a year-on-year fall in overall turnover in part thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Blues saw their total slip from the previous number of £446.7m ($610.6m) to £407.4m ($556.8m) for the fiscal year ending June 30 2020, but still made a tidy margin thanks to both player sales and Champions League qualification.

Frank Lampard's side also remain compliant "with UEFA's break-even criteria under the Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations,"  per a club statement .

Like most other clubs, Chelsea saw a significant fall in both broadcasting and matchday revenues, as a result of the suspension of the season from March 2020 as the pandemic rattled through Europe.

Commercial revenue also took a hit with non-matchday activities effectively suspended or closed, while the club further invested close to £100m ($136.7m) in their squad.

That figure does not include Lampard's big-money summer signings however, with Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell and Edouard Mendy all arriving after the close of the 2020 fiscal year.

"In common with many, many businesses across the globe, the pandemic has had a significant impact on Chelsea’s income," chairman Bruce Buck noted in a club statement .

"But it is a sign of the strength and stability of our financial operation that the company was still able to post a profit in the past financial year.

"This was done while continuing to invest in our playing staff and indeed had normal football not halted in March, projections show a record profit and record turnover would have been achieved.

"That would have represented an increase in revenue for a fifth year in succession.

"Despite the impact of Covid, the revenue streams remained strong, our team is developing on the pitch and the Club is in a good position to continue to grow when football is able to operate as it did previously, a time we are all looking forward to."

Chelsea are next back in action when they face fellow top-four and title hopefuls Manchester City on January 3, having taken one point from their last two games since Christmas.

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has accepted the Football Association's decision to ban him for three games for an Instagram post made in November, but was also quick to stress his innocence.

The 33-year-old was handed the suspension along with a £100,000 fine and an order to undergo face-to-face education on Thursday after the FA found a post containing the words "Gracias negrito" brought the game into disrepute. 

Cavani didn't challenge the FA's decision with the Red Devils asking for his fine to be used to fund anti-racism projects and initiatives. 

Though he accepted his ban and stressed he was eager to move on from the incident, the Uruguayan has taken to social media to reiterate he didn't mean any malice with his comments. 

"Hello everyone, I do not want to extend much in this uncomfortable moment for me. I want to share with you that I accept the disciplinary sanction knowing that I am foreign to English language customs, but I do not share the point of view," Cavani posted on Instagram. 

"I apologise if I offended someone with an expression of affection towards a friend, nothing further was my intention. Those who know me know that my effort is to always seek the simplest joy and friendship!

"I appreciate the countless expressions of support and affection. My heart is at peace because I know that I always expressed myself with affection according to my culture and way of life. I send you a sincere hug." 

Cavani will now miss United’s upcoming games against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Watford, with the club saying they are thankful the FA decided to impose the minimum suspension. 

“While it is clear that context and intent are key factors, we note that the independent Regulatory Commission was required to impose a minimum three game suspension," a club statement read. 

“The club trusts that the independent Regulatory Commission will make it clear in its written reasons that Edinson Cavani is not a racist, nor was there any racist intent in relation to his post.”

United will face Villa on Friday, with a win taking them level on points with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table. 

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has admitted he would not be surprised if his side's game against Crystal Palace on Saturday was postponed on account of a surge in coronavirus cases.

The UK has seen a huge rise in the number of positive coronavirus cases in recent weeks, and multiple Premier League games have been called off as a result.

Tottenham’s match with Fulham earlier this week was the most recent game to be postponed on account of cases in the Cottagers’ squad, while Sheffield United’s clash with Burnley went ahead despite positive tests among Blades players and staff.

Wilder’s squad were tested on Thursday, and results will be returned on Friday.

Despite no new individuals showing symptoms, Wilder feels that given the surge in cases in the country it would not surprise him if the Palace game were to be postponed.

"I think the way it's sweeping the country, I wouldn't be surprised,” Wilder said in response to whether he felt the game at Selhurst Park could be called off. “It's starting to grow. Obviously after the Christmas period as well.

"I wouldn't be surprised over the round of testing now that there'll be more positive tests up and down the country in professional football and the Premier League."

There have been calls for a circuit break to get the situation under control. Wilder did not offer his views on such action, but said he would be governed by Premier League directives.

"It's obviously ramped up enormously and the speed of what's been happening over the last eight weeks has changed the situation in the country,” he said. “As always, we'll play with a straight bat, we'll do what the Premier League wants us to do."

Wilder’s Blades are propping up the Premier League with two points from 16 games, and are the only team in the division without a win to their name.

It is a dire situation, but Wilder is hopeful his squad can be boosted in the January transfer window.

"We do need in my opinion to make the group better,” he said. “Over to the chief exec and the board for them to make their decision or to pursue the targets we're looking at and the positions we're looking at."

Manchester United star Marcus Rashford signed off 2020 with a message of hope to fans and followers, urging them to continue working hard for each other in the year ahead.

The past 12 months have been hugely difficult for many people around the world on account of a global coronavirus pandemic that has claimed over 1.7 million lives and left economies devastated.

With many of the least well off in Britain suffering the most, Rashford has used his platform to demand help for those most in need.

Even before the pandemic struck, Rashford was working with companies to provide food parcels to those in need but he went further in 2020 - eventually forcing the government to change policy after initially refusing to offer free school meals for children over the holidays.

Rashford has continued to campaign, and was rewarded for his services with an MBE.

He has continued to push for the end of child food poverty, while he has also launched a book club to ensure children can have opportunities to read.

Football is extremely tribal, but Rashford has won support from fans of clubs up and down the country - even those who have a fierce rivalry with Manchester United.

He has embodied a spirit of togetherness and wants that to be a continued theme into 2021.

Writing on Twitter, Rashford said: "I’ve got a game tomorrow so need to sign off here but before I go I wanted to reflect on what has been the most challenging year.

“I’ve been so proud to see people coming together to help those in need and that same compassion needs to continue into 2021 because it’s people like you that make this country great and there is still so much more work to do.

“We have shown the difference we can make when we unite.

“Don’t look back on this year thinking you haven’t achieved anything. You achieved everything. You survived 2020. Your strength was tested and you made it. Give yourself a pat on the back.”

The lack of fans in stadiums has been one of the defining images of 2020, although professional football has provided escapism for people during a time of suffering. Rashford wants to see spectators return to grounds to share the moments with players - such as the hat-trick he scored against RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

“I’m hoping in 2021 I get to celebrate in the crowd with you again,” he continued. “I really just miss that; I can’t believe none of you got to be with me for the Leipzig hat-trick but hoping there will be many more.

“Everything i have achieved this year has been our achievement; i couldn’t have done it without your support.

“Let’s aim and hope for an equal playing field for all in 2021.

“Love to you all. Be safe and a Happy New Year.”

Mario Gotze is slowly rebuilding his career at PSV Eindhoven, and he has admitted his form may have dipped in the past because he put too much pressure on himself.

Gotze had the world at his feet at the age of 22 after firing Germany to World Cup glory in the 2014 final against Argentina.

That winning goal in Brazil was at the end of his first full season at Bayern Munich, who signed the forward after he had won back-to-back Bundesliga titles with Borussia Dortmund.

However, in the following six years his career dipped. His form tailed off at Bayern and he subsequently rejoined Dortmund. 

Despite being the darling of the Yellow Wall, he could not replicate his old form and slipped out of German football in the summer of 2020 to join PSV.

While the spotlight is not as bright in the Netherlands, there is still attention on the 28-year-old.

Gotze says he is now handling pressure better than earlier in his career, and is slowly working on building back up again.

"From the outside, for sure there was a lot of media and pressure, but the only thing that matters [is] my view, my own view and how I view myself and my development,” Gotze told ESPN.

“Maybe I put too much pressure on myself, and that's the only thing that is more important than what other people expect or say because in the end, it's all about yourself, and how you see yourself.”

Regular playing time has eluded Gotze for a number of years, partly due to injuries and also a dip in form, but he is now getting regular minutes at PSV and is happy with how things are progressing.

"If I look back on the last year, it's important I play," Gotze said. "[My personal goals] are to play, have a great impact and we see how it goes. Try to stay in the moment, enjoy it and try my best."

He has four goals to his name and has been asked about the prospect of a Germany recall under Joachim Low, and it is something Gotze would consider if the chance arose.

Gotze said: "We are still in touch, I've known him since I was 18 years old. I have worked with him, we were successful together. He is a good guy, great person, good coach. But for me as a player, I don't decide. I don't make the decision, but I am always open to it... yeah."

Rangers are "the best team in Europe," according to Romania legend Gheorghe Hagi, who insists that Steven Gerrard's side are the team "everyone talks only about" on British shores.

The Scottish Premiership outfit have enjoyed a remarkable start to the 2020-21 term, unbeaten in the top flight and well out in front of rivals Celtic, though they do have three more games under their belt.

Hagi's son Ianis - a Romania international in his own right - has been one of the stars at the heart of Gerrard's Gers revolution this year, making a full-time switch to Ibrox in May after impressing on loan from Genk.

Yet back in his native country, fans feel that the 22-year-old is being underused, despite the fact he has played 18 out of 21 top-flight games this term, starting 11 of them.

His father however - a former Barcelona and Real Madrid star during his playing days and a UEFA Cup winner with Galatasaray in 2000 - has hit back at detractors, stressing that his son plays an integral role in a superb side.

"He signed for Rangers," Hagi told GSP. "He has played and will play when the coach thinks he should.

"He's playing every three days in Scotland and I think up to this point he's played the most of all the attacking players. He has the most minutes played.

"He plays for a phenomenal team, the best in Europe. They're the only team not to have lost a match and they've conceded the fewest goals.

"In Great Britain everyone talks only about Rangers. Steven Gerrard has done a good job, the team is united and strong. Ianis has done very well too, he was ranked the best passer in Scotland.

"There's competition at big clubs! I went to Real Madrid and Barcelona, sometimes I played and sometimes I didn't. [Rangers] haven't lost a single match in the league or in Europe. Think about it.

"He feels good there, he has competition and it's not easy to play at Rangers. He wants to and you will see that he will play. The club is satisfied with him, they view him very well.

"He'll grow a lot in terms of mentality over there, in power and playing without the ball. The football there is more direct, stronger. He's going to get better."