Arsenal Defender Confides in Mikel Arteta About Desire to Leave This Month”
Due to stiff competition for a place in the team, Arsenal defender Maldini Kacurri has reportedly informed the club of his desire to leave on loan in January for more regular playing time.
The 18-year-old Albanian has made notable progress this season, including several appearances on the first-team bench and a senior debut as a substitute in the EFL Cup win over Bolton in September. Recently, Kacurri impressed with a strong performance for the U21s, helping them secure a 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, where his powerful run from defense earned a penalty.
Kacurri, who is attracting interest from clubs like Hull City, Oxford United, and Bolton Wanderers, is looking to gain first-team experience elsewhere. With Arsenal’s defense already well-stocked with players like William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Ben White, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori, a loan move seems the ideal option for his development.
Kacurri’s rise through the ranks has been impressive, having made 13 appearances for the U18s and four for the U21s last season, in addition to playing in the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League. He was one of seven academy players to sign new contracts in the summer, alongside other promising talents like Brian Okonkwo, Josh Nichols, and Ismeal Kabia.
Excited about his new contract, Kacurri expressed, “I’m very happy. This is something I’ve been working towards my whole life. It wasn’t a difficult decision at all to commit my future here. It’s a great club, I’ve learned a lot here, and I’ve improved so much.”
In the U21s’ recent win over Nottingham Forest, goals from Salah-Eddine and Khayon Edwards secured their first league victory since October. Coach Mehmet Ali praised the team’s improved defense after a tough 6-0 loss to Fulham. Kacurri, along with Ismeal Kabia and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, stood out following recent first-team call-ups, while goalkeeper Tommy Setford also impressed. Jack Henry-Francis and Charles Sagoe Jr. returned to the squad after loan spells.
