Arsenal have been dealt a significant setback, with Vinicius Junior now expected to commit his future to Real Madrid, forcing the club to shift their attention elsewhere
Kaua Elias
Kaua Elias of Shakhtar Donetsk
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Arsenal have reportedly intensified their interest in Shakhtar Donetsk striker Kaua Elias after learning that Vinicius Junior is set to extend his contract with Real Madrid - a development that landed as a setback for the Gunners, who had been confident a move was within reach.
Their interest forced Madrid to accelerate discussions, with talks taking place this week following Vini Jr's return to training. Until recently, the Spanish champions were adamant they would not revisit or improve their latest proposal.
Jose Mourinho has listed Vinicius Junior among six 'untouchable' players at Madrid this summer, reinforcing the club's stance that the Brazilian will not be part of any transfer discussions. football.london understands that, although the final details are still being ironed out, the expectation is that the Brazilian star will remain at the Bernabeu.
With that avenue now effectively closed, Arsenal have shifted their attention to Elias - who underlined his growing reputation on Monday by inspiring Shakhtar's 5-1 win over Kudrivka. He scored a header, a left‑footed strike and a right‑footed finish in a dominant second‑half display.
Arsenal were among the clubs in the stands to watch Elias put on a show, according to The Sun, with Manchester United, AC Milan and FC Porto also tracking the striker. Scouts from both Arsenal and United are said to have delivered 'extremely glowing evaluations' of the 20‑year‑old.
Elias' appeal is clear - he's two‑footed, dominant in the air and composed inside the box - a profile that fits Arsenal's recruitment blueprint. The Ukrainian champions reportedly value him at around £30million, and the expectation is that Arsenal are now weighing up an official bid.
The report adds that Arsenal have monitored Elias for several weeks, with his recent hat‑trick effectively giving the club the green light to escalate their interest. United, meanwhile, are also preparing to strengthen their attack this summer, particularly with Joshua Zirkzee facing an uncertain future amid Serie A attention.
Milan and Porto remain in the conversation, but Arsenal and United are considered to be in the strongest position financially - both capable of activating the player's release clause and offering a lucrative package.
Elias himself is understood to be open to a move into one of Europe's elite leagues, provided he's presented with a sporting project that aligns with his development and long‑term ambitions.
Since arriving from Fluminense in 2025, the Brazilian has produced 12 goals and three assists in 39 appearances for Shakhtar - a return that's strengthened his reputation as one of the most well‑rounded young forwards emerging from South America.