When the summer transfer window closed it appeared that Maldini Kacurri would be set to spend the first half of the season playing for Arsenal U21s in Premier League 2, a level that he had long since surpassed.
However, a temporary switch to Morecambe in the National League followed and the defender has made a major impact as he had featured prominently for a side that has lacked consistency.
Kacurri was named Morecambe’s player of the month for October and November, while he also scored his first senior goal against Brackley Town.
There was also a significant moment for Kacurri in September as he made his senior debut for Albania against Gibraltar.
In total, Kacurri has made 16 appearances in the league for Morecambe, adding to his three games on loan at Bromley last season as well as his solitary senior appearance for Arsenal against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup in 2024.
Now, though, Arsenal are facing a decision on Kacurri’s short-term future, with his loan spell at Morecambe due to expire on January 2nd.
There are several options available to Arsenal which include extending his loan at Morecambe, loaning him to a club in a higher division or potentially selling him.
At the age of 20, Kacurri is nearing the stage of his development where a decision needs to be made on his future in any case and it will be intriguing to see what Arsenal feel is the best next step for him to take.