Maldini Kacurri has already had a brief taste of U21 football but the signs suggest that the defender could feature prominently at that level next season.
Zane Monlouis has stated that he is looking to go on loan for the first time next campaign, while there have been indications that Zach Awe could leave permanently in search of first-team football.
Another centre-back, Taylor Foran, may well be loaned out again and the same probably applies to the likes of Omar Rekik, Alex Kirk and Mazeed Ogungbo.
That could well open the door for Kacurri to establish himself as an important player for the second-string.
The no nonsense defender, who has been capped by Albania at youth level, joined Arsenal towards the end of the 2021-22 season after being let go by Fulham.
During his first full campaign with the Gunners Kacurri suffered some frustration with injuries and there were also some difficult moments on the pitch as the U18s lacked consistency in the league.
However, there were also some encouraging signs from the 17-year-old, who reads the game well an is confident in possession.
The main objective for Kacurri next season will be to earn a professional contract and featuring for the older age groups, including for the U19s in the UEFA Youth League, would be a significant step in the right direction.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Is he related to the great Maldini?
Yes, just like Reece James is related to James Maddison.
The Great Maldini. Sounds like a magician at a circus.
If anything, ‘Maldini Kacurrie’ &
‘Zane Monlouis’ are a couple of great sounding names; hopefully, some more Hale Enders to break through next season.
I think Myles Lewis and Ethan has a good chance. With Walters and Sousa also showing promising signs. Im gutted Charlie will go this summer, as I was hoping he could do the jump. Either way, Hale End have been doing well and will continue to do so. Happy days
I think his parents believed in nominative determinism. I definitely rate him above Otamendi Jones and Maguire Roberts. But Beckenbauer Herbert-Walker might be as good.
Had him on my lower league save on FM23 and he turned out to be one of the best defenders in the premiership at age 23/24. Also, what a great name
When are we going to see a big goal scoring striker come through the youth team