Top News

Arsenal have shaken hands with League Two outfit Grimsby over the permanent sale of 20-year-old defender Maldini Kacurri for an undisclosed fee.

The EFL side are now finalising personal terms with the Albania international, who shone on loan with cash-strapped National League strugglers Morecambe during the first half of the campaign.

Kacurri's loan with The Shrimps formally expired on January 2 but he's now set to earn a move higher up the pyramid as he prepares to add quality to Grimsby's promotion charge.

The Mariners, who knocked Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup earlier in the season, have won their last six matches in all competitions and have not conceded a goal since December 20 in the league.

They also remain in the FA Cup and are due to host Premier League side Wolves in next month's fourth round.

• Arsenal's huge Champions League prize money pay-out compared to Premier League rivals

• Benfica goalkeeper scores last-gasp goal against Real Madrid to spark wild scenes

Arsenal will net a modest fee for Kacurri, who joined the club from Fulham back in 2022. He's attracted plenty of interest since returning to the club and while Morecambe were desperate to extend his loan, they were unable to reach an agreement with the Gunners.

Kacurri made his senior Arsenal debut last season when he came off the bench in the 5-1 Carabao Cup demolition of Bolton Wanderers, replacing Riccardo Calafiori.

The no-nonsense centre-back was also named on the bench for last season's 1-0 north London derby triumph at Tottenham but was an unused substitute.

Back in September, he also earned his first cap for Albania, who are managed by former Arsenal left-back Sylvinho, during a 1-0 friendly win over Gibraltar.

He also spent time on loan at Bromley, where he initially started his career, last season but struggled for minutes at Hayes Lane and made just three appearances for The Ravens.

Kacurri won two consecutive Player of the Month awards at Morecambe and now waves goodbye to Arsenal, providing all relevant formalities are concluded successfully, after almost three years at the club.

The defender has made 22 appearances in all competitions this season, 18 for Morecambe and four for Arsenal U21s, scoring once.

Fellow youth team starlet Charles Sagoe Jr is also available on loan this month but at this moment in time, he looks likely to remain with the Gunners.

Incomings appear unlikely before the February 2 deadline as Arsenal are not planning to make any changes to their squad until the end of the season when they will conduct a thorough review of Mikel Arteta's squad.

Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.