Arsenal are on the verge of parting ways with promising young defender Maldini Kacurri, as the club has reached an agreement to sell the 20-year-old Albanian international to League Two side Grimsby Town on a permanent basis. The deal, struck for an undisclosed fee, comes just days before the February 2 transfer deadline, marking a swift resolution to Kacurri’s future at the Emirates.
Sources close to the negotiations have confirmed that the two clubs have shaken hands on the transfer, with Grimsby now in the process of finalizing personal terms with the player. Kacurri, who was named after legendary AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini, has impressed during his loan spell at National League club Morecambe in the first half of the season, where he earned back-to-back Player of the Month awards. His temporary stint with the cash-strapped Shrimps officially ended on January 2, but his performances have paved the way for a step up to League Two with the promotion-chasing Mariners.
Grimsby, who have been in scintillating form, are unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions and haven’t conceded a league goal since December 20. The club made headlines earlier this season by knocking Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup and remain in contention in the FA Cup, set to host Premier League outfit Wolves in the fourth round next month. Kacurri’s arrival is expected to bolster their defensive options as they push for a playoff spot or automatic promotion.
The no-nonsense centre-back joined Arsenal from Fulham in 2022 and has shown glimpses of his potential during his time with the Gunners. He made his senior debut last season, coming off the bench in Arsenal’s 5-1 Carabao Cup thrashing of Bolton Wanderers, where he replaced Riccardo Calafiori. Kacurri was also an unused substitute in the 1-0 north London derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur. On the international stage, he earned his first cap for Albania in September under former Arsenal left-back Sylvinho, featuring in a 1-0 friendly win against Gibraltar.
Despite interest from several clubs, including a desperate plea from Morecambe to extend his loan, Arsenal opted for a permanent sale. Kacurri’s previous loan at Bromley last season yielded limited opportunities, with just three appearances for the Ravens. This term, he has made 22 outings in total—18 for Morecambe and four for Arsenal’s U21s—scoring once.
The modest fee Arsenal will receive reflects Kacurri’s development stage, but the move allows him to gain regular first-team experience. Meanwhile, fellow academy prospect Charles Sagoe Jr. is available for loan but is expected to stay put for now.
As for incomings, Arsenal appear content with their current squad under Mikel Arteta. Club insiders indicate no plans for additions before the deadline, with a comprehensive squad review slated for the summer.
This deal underscores Arsenal’s strategy of nurturing young talent while ensuring pathways for progression, even if it means farewells. Assuming all formalities are completed successfully, Kacurri will bid adieu to the Gunners after nearly three years, embarking on the next chapter of his career with Grimsby.