Arsenal keen on Hajduk Split midfielder Rokas Pukstas as American eyes summer transfer

Arsenal are keeping tabs on Hajduk Split midfielder Rokas Pukstas ahead of the summer transfer window, according to the Daily Mail.

The USA under-20s international has caught the eyes of the Gunners, West Ham United and Aston Villa, with their scouts impressed with what they have seen from him so far.

The 19-year-old Pukstas is ready and eager to take the next step up in his career, and Split are expecting offers from suitors like Arsenal this summer.

The American teenage sensation, who was linked with the North London club last December, could finally be moving to the Premier League having had a trial with Manchester United in 2019.

Pukstas also spent time in the youth ranks of Sporting Kansas City before joining Split as a youth player in 2020 and breaking into their first-team in 2022.

The midfield is a position Arsenal are looking to strengthen, and the teenager could emerge as a serious target when the summer transfer window opens.

Pukstas recently joined the Niagara agency who represent the likes of Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata and his fellow Spaniard and Red Bull Leipzig star Dani Olmo, and it appears he is taking a potential summer move seriously.

Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke knows the marketing potential of having a USMNT star on the books of the club and landing Pukstas could appeal to him given his huge potential.

While the youngster was approached to represent Lithuania in March 2022, he appears to be on the right trajectory when it comes to breaking into the United States senior side.

Matt Turner and Auston Trusty left the North London club last summer but manager Mikel Arteta could soon have another American at the club in Pukstas if he decides he is good enough for his side.