Arsenal have added to their youth ranks by pouncing to sign Fulham teenager Maldini Kacurri after his release from the Championship club.
That’s according to Football London, who claim that Per Mertesacker has now decided to strike a deal for Kacurri.
The Albanian youth defender – who has two Under-17 caps for his country – turned out for Arsenal against Garuda Select on Tuesday.
It seems that Kacurri has now signed for Arsenal, quickly landing himself a new club.
Fulham have decided to let Kacurri leave the club, seemingly not seeing a future for him at Craven Cottage.
Yet Mertesacker – who knows a thing or two about defenders – has seen enough potential in Kacurri to bring him to Arsenal.
Being released by a Championship club and earning a move to Arsenal isn’t something you see every day, but Kacurri has managed it.
We also have to point out that Kacurri has a truly brilliant first name for a defender – Maldini. It’s unlikely he will get close to the Italian’s legacy but it’s some name.
Having emerged in the Fulham ranks, Arsenal may now hope that they have landed another Mika Biereth for their youth ranks.
Striker Biereth left Fulham for Arsenal last summer, though that deal involved the Gunners paying compensation to Fulham.
In this case, Fulham have simply decided to let Kacurri go, but Arsenal will hope that both players end up shining for their first team in the future.
Biereth is already shining at Arsenal and the hope will be that Kacurri can follow suit.
Fulham certainly have a strong record with young players such as Fabio Carvalho and Harvey Elliott.
Kacurri being developed there may give Arsenal hope that they have unearthed a gem, with the 16-year-old securing a huge, unexpected move for himself.
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