Grimsby Town have reached an agreement to sign Arsenal defender Maldini Kacurri on a permanent deal, with the League Two promotion hopefuls now finalising personal terms with the player, as reported by Football London.
The move will bring an end to Kacurri’s association with Arsenal, where the highly rated centre-back has progressed through the academy but found first-team opportunities limited. After a standout loan spell in the National League with Morecambe, the 20-year-old has attracted interest from clubs higher up the pyramid, with Grimsby moving swiftly to secure his signature.
Kacurri spent the first half of the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Morecambe, where he established himself as one of the division’s most consistent defenders. His performances earned him back-to-back Player of the Month awards, underlining both his reliability and rapid development in senior football. Morecambe were keen to extend his loan beyond its January expiry, but negotiations with Arsenal ultimately broke down amid growing interest elsewhere.
That interest has now materialised in the form of Grimsby Town, who are pushing hard for promotion from League Two. The Mariners have built much of their recent success on defensive solidity, having not conceded a league goal since December 20, and see Kacurri as a player capable of strengthening an already resilient back line during the decisive second half of the season.
While his senior appearances for Arsenal were limited, Kacurri did gain valuable experience around the first team. He made his competitive debut in the Carabao Cup earlier in his development and was also named among the substitutes for high-profile Premier League fixtures, reflecting the regard in which he was held at academy level. Despite that, a clear pathway into Mikel Arteta’s squad never fully opened, making a permanent move the logical next step.
Calculated gamble
For the Mariners, this deal represents a calculated gamble with significant upside. Kacurri brings physical presence, composure in possession, and the benefit of having already adapted to the demands of senior football across two different loan environments. At 20, he also fits the profile of a player whose value could increase sharply with a strong run in League Two.
For Arsenal, the transfer aligns with a broader strategy of allowing young players to pursue permanent moves when first-team opportunities are unlikely. With no major January incomings expected at the Emirates Stadium, the focus remains on trimming the squad and maximising development pathways, rather than stockpiling prospects with limited routes to senior action.
If the final details are completed as expected, Kacurri will arrive at Blundell Park as part of a Grimsby side firmly in the promotion conversation. For the defender himself, it offers something arguably more important than prestige: regular football, responsibility, and the chance to play a meaningful role in a promotion push.