Arsenal could sign ‘next Thomas Muller’ for bargain fee after scouting mission
American youngster Rokas Pukstas could be on his way to the Premier League. The 19-year-old reportedly was scouted by Arsenal who are continuing to monitor his progress ahead of a potential move in January.
Arsenal’s scouts reportedly were in attendance at Hajduk Split’s game last week against Gorica in Croatia, per Croatian outlet Slobodna Dalmacija. Though Pukstas didn’t score, Hajduk won comfortably, 3-0, over Gorica, thanks to goals from Leon Dajaku, Mihael Zaper and Emir Sahiti.
For Pukstas, he has made nine appearances for Hajduk this season, scoring three goals so far, almost matching his entire total for the previous season. During the 2022-23 season, he scored four goals and had three assists in 21 matches.
The American also is a member of the United States U20 team. Earlier in the year, the 19-year-old midfielder was not allowed to join the U20 team for the U20 World Cup as Hajduk’s sporting director did not allow him to because of his importance to the Croatian side.
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However, that decision was soon reversed and Pukstas was allowed to join the Americans in Argentina for the World Cup. Despite winning four games and making it to the quarter-finals, the United States was eliminated by Uruguay, the eventual champions.
In the tournament, Pukstas scored one goal and his play impressed the Premier League club. Last season, Pukstas scored in Hadjuk’s UEFA Youth League semi-final win over AC Milan, showing just how versatile he can be.
As such, the youngster has been compared to Thomas Muller as both are electric midfielders with a penchant for mesmerizing defenders. Before joining Hadjuk, Pukstas spent time with Sporting Kansas City and also was a member of Barcelona’s youth academy in America.
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Although the young midfielder recently signed a contract with Hajduk to stay in Croatia until 2027, it remains to be seen if he will stay that long with the club.
Currently, he is valued at £2.57million, per Transfermarkt. With the owner of Arsenal being Stan Kroenke – owner of the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rapids, Colorado Avalanche, among others – money seemingly is no object to the American billionaire.
Born in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Rokas is the son of Lithuanian marathon runner Mindaugas Pukstas. Mindaugas represented Lithuania at the 2004 Summer Olympics and was a member of the track and field team for Oklahoma State University.
If Arsenal are able to land the younger Pukstas, that certainly boost Mikel Arteta’s side as they continue to jostle for position in the Premier League. As such, Pukstas could be one of Arsenal’s midfielders of the future, as he continues to develop with the club.
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