Grimsby Town have made an approach for in-demand central defender, Maldini Kacurri, according to reports from Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke.
The Albanian is in high demand following a successful loan spell with National League strugglers Morecambe. Arsenal are reportedly open to letting the player leave in January, either on loan or permanently. Morecambe have faced a troubled start in the National League, but Kacurri has emerged as a bright spark for the Lancashire club.
Joining the Shrimps in mid-September, the 20-year-old quickly impressed on the west coast, winning Player of the Month awards in both October and November, respectively, also popping up on the scoresheet during a 2-0 win over Brackley Town.
This strong form has inevitably sparked interest from clubs higher up the Pyramid. As a result, League Two outfit Grimsby Town have made their move, looking to secure his services for the remainder of the season.
Gunners’ Stance Opens Door for Grimsby Town
Building on Grimsby’s interest, Football Insider reported that Arsenal would sanction an exit for the Albanian International in January, either on loan or a permanent transfer.
Kacurri had gained EFL experience before his Morecambe loan. He spent time at Bromley, another League Two side, during the 2024/2025 season, making three appearances.
He made his debut for the Premier League giants in September 2024. replacing Riccardo Calafiori in the 70th minute during a 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over Bolton Wanderers. Then, he went on to join League Two side Bromley on loan, but was limited to only three appearances for the Ravens.
The 2025-26 season has already been an exciting one for the 20-year-old, after he made his international debut during Albania’s friendly against Gibraltar back in September.
Now, given his form at Morecambe, David Artell has clearly been impressed with the defender, as the Mariners are now prepared to offer the youngster a swift return to EFL football.
Grimsby Town Need Defensive Reinforcements
News of Doug Tharme’s recent hamstring injury has put the League Two club on sudden alert for defensive backup in the remaining week of the transfer window.
Sam Lavelle stepped into the lineup during last weekend’s victory over Cheltenham Town, and marshalled an excellent defensive performance on the road.Â
However, with Harvey Rodgers playing as a centre-half at right-back, the club need another option in the heart of defence, so it is no surprise to see David Artell turn to the loan market with the curtains closing on the winter window.
While other EFL clubs are reportedly interested, the race is certainly not over for the Mariners; however, the signing of Kacurri would certainly be an exciting coup for the club.
