Maldini Kacurri has returned to Arsenal following the expiry of his loan spell with Morecambe, with interest from EFL clubs in a January transfer.
Morecambe FC confirmed on Monday that Maldini Kacurri was returning to Arsenal following the end of his loan deal at the National League club.
“A lot of ups and downs but enjoyed and learnt a lot during my time at Morecambe,” Kacurri wrote on Instagram. “Thank you to the fans, players, and coaching staff for welcoming me, I wish the best for everyone associated with the club going forwards.”
Kacurri had only signed on until January, so it was always Arsenal’s plan to see him return in the winter window, though there had been some suggestions Morecambe were keen to keep him.
The centre-back won Morecambe’s Player of the Month award in both October and November, and it seems he caught the attention of clubs further up the English football pyramid.
James McNicholas reports for The Athletic that non-league Morecambe were indeed in favour of extending Kacurri’s stay, but they face rival interest from clubs in the English Football League.
An extra complication is that Kacurri’s Arsenal contract expires at the end of the season, so the Gunners may now prefer to sell rather than loan him.
But McNicholas suggests a loan is also still on the table, so what happens next is going to depend on the offers that come in.
Kacurri made 18 appearances for Morecambe, scoring one goal and assisting one from his role in central defence. It was the 20-year-old’s second spell in senior football after playing a few games on loan with Bromley last season.
The youngster also made his senior international debut in a friendly match for Albania against Gibraltar in September, though he’s yet to appear in their squad for a competitive fixture.