Kaua Elias has become the name driving Man United transfer news this week, after scouts watched the Brazilian striker score a perfect hat-trick for Shakhtar Donetsk.
Scouts confirm growing interest from Man United
As reported by The Sun, United’s scouting staff travelled to Lviv specifically to watch Elias in action against Kudrivka. The 20-year-old delivered a complete finishing display, scoring with a header, a left-footed strike, and a right-footed finish as Shakhtar won 5-1. That kind of variety is rare in a striker so young, and it appears to have caught United’s attention early.
Elias has now scored 10 goals and added two assists in 39 appearances since he joined Shakhtar from Fluminense last year. Those numbers alone would not justify a £30million valuation, but his age, versatility, and finishing with both feet help explain the price tag. United are believed to be assessing whether his physical profile suits the fast, transition-heavy style of football their manager wants his side to play in the coming season. If United want him, they will likely need to pay full price now rather than wait and risk a bidding war next summer.
Elias’ stats in the 2025-26 season at Shakhtar Donetsk, as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Appearances Goals Assists
Ukrainian Premier League 18 6 0
UEFA Conference League 12 0 2
UEFA Europa League 5 0 0
Ukrainian Cup 1 0 0
Arsenal also chasing Kaua Elias
Man United are not alone in this race. As reported by The Metro, Arsenal scouts were at the same match, watching Elias closely, as the club looks to strengthen its options up front. Mikel Arteta has been open about wanting more depth at centre-forward, especially with the club defending its Premier League title this season.
Elias fits the kind of forward that Arteta likes to build his front line around this season. He can hold up play with his back to goal, and he can also run in behind defenders. That range gives a manager real choice, since one player can cover two very different jobs. Arsenal have changed strikers often over the past two years without picking one long term No.9. A proven scorer like Elias could finally fix that gap as the new season gets under way. It also shows why two Premier League clubs are chasing the same man instead of looking elsewhere.
European rivals add pressure to any deal
The competition does not stop in England. As reported by CAUGHTOFFSIDE, AC Milan and Porto have both been tracking Elias for some time, and neither club looks ready to step aside. Milan’s manager wants a physically strong, technically reliable striker who can hold the ball up inside the box. Porto have a long history of developing South American talent before selling players on for significant profit. Even so, financial muscle likely favours the Premier League clubs here.
Man United and Arsenal are seen as better placed to match Shakhtar’s valuation and offer Elias a stronger package overall. Shakhtar have made clear they see little reason to lower their asking price. Elias is contracted in Donetsk until 2029, which removes any pressure on the club to sell quickly. Elias is open to a move to one of Europe’s top leagues, provided the right project comes calling. The bigger question now is which of these four clubs turns scouting reports into an actual bid. Whether Shakhtar’s £30million valuation holds will depend on how serious those offers turn out to be.
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