West Ham United could break a Croatian record this summer if they sign Rokas Pukstas from Hajduck Split with Arsenal and Aston Villa also interested, according to Vecernji List.
The current transfer record fee is held by Nikola Vlasic who signed for Everton back in 2017 for a fee in the region of £9.2m.
The Croatian Outlet has reported that (2 June, page 22) Hajduk sporting director Nikola Kalinic has claimed that Pukstas is not for sale this summer.
With that being said, the 19-year-old has signed with agent Andy Bar who has suggested that “a deal is brewing”
Who is West Ham target Pokas Pukstas?
It is safe to say that Pukstas is not yet a household name but with plenty of Premier League interest, he could soon be.
The American youth international is predominantly an attacking midfielder but is comfortable playing deeper or even as a winger.
Pukstas has had a positive campaign in front of goal where he has scored eight while assisting just one goal in the HNL [FotMob].
As a midfielder who can play as an eight or as a ten, he is good with the ball at his feet which allows him to sometimes get a shot off or play a pass.
With that being said there is still room to improve there as he needs to be better at making up his mind rather than losing the ball so much.
He doesn’t have any standout strengths in terms of pace or creativity but has been compared to Thomas Muller in the past who has become a key player for one of the best teams in the world.
His footballing IQ is what will get Pukstas through games and if he can surround himself with top players, he will only get better.
