Exclusive: Arsenal green light Maldini Kacurri transfer this month
Maldini Kacurri has been given the green light to leave Arsenal on loan or in a permanent deal this month, sources have told Football Insider.
The 20-year-old centre-back has just finished a successful spell on loan at Morecambe, where he won their Player of the Month awards for October and November.
A number of EFL clubs are now chasing Kacurri as they explore a January transfer.
Arsenal are willing for the Albania international to leave on a new loan or potentially a permanent deal as they aim to capitalise on the growing interest in his signature.
He is well down the first-team pecking order under Mikel Arteta, but was part of the squad for the 1-0 win against Tottenham in September 2024, and came off the bench to replace Riccardo Calafiori in the Carabao Cup win against Bolton later that month.
Maldini Kacurri set to leave Arsenal in January
Kacurri made 18 appearances for Morecambe during his short-term loan spell, and while they were keen to keep him on, other options are now being explored.
The central defender signed his first professional contract with the Gunners in 2024, and was sent on loan to further his development in senior football.
Prior to his impressive spell with Morecambe, he also spent time on loan with Bromley in League Two, but made just three appearances before returning to the Emirates.
Now, he is expected to be afforded another crack at the EFL after thriving in the National League and attracting interest from a number of new suitors.
While a new loan move would allow him to continue his development, doubts about whether he will make it at Arsenal could tempt the club to cash in.
Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly updates emerge
Kacurri is not the only young player who could be set to leave Arsenal this month, with Ethan Nwaneri linked with a move albeit a loan would be more likely.
Nwaneri could quit Arsenal in the January window, having featured just four times under Arteta since an impressive display as Arsenal beat Brighton 2-0 in October.
The attacking midfielder signed a new Arsenal contract in the summer, but he could now push for a loan move in January as his development stalls.
Myles Lewis-Skelly has also been linked with a potential Arsenal exit, but the left-back enjoys a far more prominent role in Arteta’s squad.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed in November that Arsenal will not allow Lewis-Skelly to leave and see him as an important part of their first-team plans.
For more Arsenal and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.