Arsenal transfer target dubbed 'next Thomas Muller' at heart of scouting mission
Arsenal are scouting American wonderkid Rokas Pukstas, who has drawn comparisons to Thomas Muller, as they look to add further young quality to their ranks amid another Premier League title challenge.
The Gunners are keeping an eye on the highly-rated youngster following his rise to fame while featuring for Croatian side Hajduk Split. The 19-year-old has scored three times in just nine appearances for the club, amid a cruciate ligament strain, and has already captured the attention of Mikel Arteta's back-room staff.
Pukstas joined the Croatian team having come up through the youth ranks at MLS side Sporting Kansas City. The Oklahoma-born midfielder would go on to also have a trial at Manchester United, according to Dalmatinski, before then joining the Barca Residency Academy in Casa Grande, Arizona.
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Pukstas' first professional contract saw him join Hajduk Split's U17 side before quickly being promoted to the senior squad. His time in the team has already proved fruitful where he has cemented his place in the starting line-up. At international level he has featured for the United States at both U20 and U15 level with two goals to his name. He could also represent Lithuania through his father, Mindaugas - a marathon runner who competed at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
Pukstas' ability to arrive late in the box has drawn immediate comparisons to the likes of Germany and Bayern Munich icon Thomas Muller. The 34-year-old has built a career on scoring vital goals at both club and international level en route to winning a World Cup, twelve Bundesliga titles and two Champions Leagues - something Pukstas would surely relish achieving.
While Pukstas has a lot of untapped potential, a report from Croatian outlet Slobodna Dalmacija claimed Arsenal have already sent scouts out to watch the 19-year-old in action recently. The game in question saw the midfielder play the full 90 minutes in Hajduk Split's 3-0 win over HNK Gorica.
The interest in the youngster will come as little surprise to Arsenal fans with Arteta's teams heavily relying on youth talent. An Opta report, via The Analyst, revealed that Arsenal have the second youngest starting XI in the Premier League at just 24 years and 335 days. The Gunners are only behind Burnley on 24 years and 170 days.
The midfielder, if a move is agreed, would join a side that already boasts a wealth of talent in midfield. The likes of Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice have become a formidable force in guiding the team to the top of the Premier League table with 11 wins, three draws and just the one defeat all season - inflicted by Newcastle United.
There is a pathway for young players to break into the team with the likes of 23-year-old Fabio Vieira and 24-year-old Eddie Nketiah having enjoyed game time this season. Despite the interest, a move could prove to be a challenge with the American having recently signed a contract extension that runs until 2027. However, with his current value sitting around the £3million mark, it could also prove to be of little risk.
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