Young defender Maldini Kacurri has completed a permanent transfer to League Two side Grimsby Town for an undisclosed fee, signing an 18-month contract with an option for a further year.

The 20-year-old center-back departs the Emirates Stadium after nearly three years with the club, having first joined our academy setup in March 2022. His progression through the youth ranks was rewarded with his first professional contract in June 2024, reflecting the promise he showed during his development.

Kacurri's highlight in an Arsenal shirt came during the 2024/25 campaign when he made his senior first-team debut, coming on as a substitute in our commanding 5-1 Carabao Cup third-round victory over Bolton Wanderers. The appearance marked a proud moment for the London-born defender and showcased his potential at the highest level.

To aid his development, Kacurri gained valuable experience through loan spells in the English Football League. He finished last season with a short-term stint at League Two side Bromley before embarking on a successful loan move to National League outfit Morecambe for the first half of this campaign, where he made 18 appearances across all competitions.

While at Arsenal, Kacurri reached a significant career milestone by earning senior international recognition. The Lewisham native made his debut for Albania in September 2025, featuring in their 1-0 victory against Gibraltar.

Grimsby Town head coach David Artell expressed his enthusiasm about securing Kacurri's signature: "Maldini is a physically strong, commanding centre-back who will add real presence and resilience to our defence. 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."