According to Transfermarkt, Arsenal and Chelsea are competing for 17-year-old Croatian midfielder Adam Gulyam.

Gulyam is currently valued at €200,000, with Arsenal and Chelsea considered the most active suitors. The youngster joined Hajduk from Shakhtar Donetsk's academy in 2024 and only made his senior team debut in March this year. He has made 4 appearances in the Europa League qualifiers, all as a substitute. Hajduk lost 2-4 on aggregate to Pafos after extra time, missing out on the next round.

Agent responds to Arsenal and Chelsea interest

Although neither Premier League club has yet made an offer for Gulyam, it is not ruled out that they might make a move later in the transfer window and loan him back to Hajduk for the 2026/27 season to continue gaining first-team experience. Gulyam's agent, Vadim Shabliy, discussed interest from top European clubs in an interview with Flashscore, opening the door for a transfer.

"Of course, his career is just beginning, and he has a lot to learn. The most important thing now is not to rush things, but to grow step by step. These clubs primarily see his great potential," he said.

"Although Adam is very young, he already possesses an excellent understanding of the game, exquisite technique, and most importantly, the right professional attitude. He has a strong desire to continue learning and improving every day. His career has just begun, and he has a lot to learn. The most important thing now is not to rush things, but to grow step by step."

Croatian expert's view: The next Perisic?

Stodra, a Transfermarkt data observer based in Croatia, has been following Gulyam's performance in the Croatian league. He believes that the teenager still needs patience before the next step in his career, and Gulyam's playing style also brings to mind the Croatian legend Perisic.

"It sounds a bit strange, because there's always a lot of pressure at Hajduk. But in Split, as an foreign newcomer [Gulyam is from Ukraine], he has more room and time to grow than local players who were expected to perform from the start – like Vuskovic, Vlasic, etc. With the right support and strong motivation, he can become a good Croatian league player. I also see his potential to break into the international scene, but only if Hajduk continues to give him space to grow and doesn't suddenly push him into the media spotlight. I would advise Gulyam to advance his career step by step."

Perisic has played 157 times for Croatia, scoring 39 goals, and has played 533 club games over an 18-year career. Comparing any player to this iconic Croatian figure is high praise, and "Stodra" indeed sees similarities in Gulyam.

"In my opinion, he is clearly better suited to the left wing. Although he can also play on the right, he tends to cut inside too much from the right, even moving towards the center, possibly due to his dominant foot. His strengths include his acceleration when dribbling on the left, his ability to shield the ball well, and his rather refined technique. Of course, his physique still needs to improve. He reminds me of Perisic in his younger days playing in Belgium. I have always seen him as a winger, as he played this position in the youth team and now in Hajduk's first team."

"I think going to England too early would be a big mistake. He needs at least another year to truly establish himself in Hajduk's first team, and then prove his potential in the 2027/28 season. I don't think he would leave until the 2028/29 season at the earliest. If Arsenal or Chelsea still want him in the 2028/29 season, I would advise them to take a similar approach to Vuskovic. After signing him, he could first be loaned to Belgium or the Netherlands, and only after proving himself there can it be judged whether he truly has the potential to break into an English team's first team."

AF's PC site is now live! Browse full news, comments, match details and stats on your computer. Visit: www.allfootballapp.com