Arsenal sell 20yo

Arsenal have sold Maldini Kacurri to Grimsby Town, with the 20-year-old centre-back signing an 18-month contract that runs until the end of the season.

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The transfer fee has not been disclosed, but it has been described as modest, bringing to an end a three-and-a-half-year spell at Arsenal after he joined the academy in March 2022.

Simon Collings has reported that Arsenal have secured a sell-on clause as part of the agreement.

Kacurri spent the past year gaining senior experience on loan, finishing last season at Bromley before moving to Morecambe FC for the first half of the current campaign. His loan at Morecambe was a short-term deal running until January, with Arsenal always intending to review his situation in the winter window, despite indications that Morecambe were keen to keep him.

During his time there, Kacurri made 18 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and registering one assist from central defence. He was named Morecambe’s Player of the Month in both October and November, form that attracted interest from clubs higher up the English football pyramid.

The Athletic reported earlier this month that Arsenal preferred a permanent move over another loan, with Grimsby willing to meet those terms.

Photo via Morecambe FC on Instagram

Kacurri also made his senior international debut for Albania in a friendly against Gibraltar in September, although he has yet to feature in a competitive international fixture.

Confirming the move on Friday evening, Arsenal said, “Maldini Kacurri has joined League Two side Grimsby Town in a permanent transfer. The 20-year-old defender joined us in March 2022 and went on to sign his first professional contract with the club in June 2024.

“The 2024/25 campaign saw Maldini make his senior first team debut for us when he came on as a substitute in our 5-1 win against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup third round…We thank Maldini for his contribution to the club during his time with us and wish him all the best for his next chapter with Grimsby Town.”

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Grimsby head coach David Artellsaid, “Maldini is a physically strong, commanding centre-back who will add real presence and resilience to our defence. He brings aggression, aerial dominance, and the ability to compete at a high level, which is exactly what we need to strengthen the backline.

“Beyond his defensive qualities, he’s a young player with huge potential, and we’re excited about the energy, attitude, and determination he will bring to the squad both on and off the pitch.”

Kacurri now joins a Grimsby side pushing for the promotion play-offs, sitting just three points off the pace and enjoying a strong run of form in 2026, including progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup.