Arsenal and Manchester United are both reportedly interested in signing Shakhtar Donetsk striker Kaua Elias, according to The Sun.
The 20-year-old has attracted significant attention after putting in a stunning performance in the Ukrainian Premier League this summer.
Elias scored a perfect hat-trick as Shakhtar Donetsk beat Kudrivka 5-1, with scouts from both Premier League clubs present to watch him at Arena Lviv.
United sent representatives to run the rule over the young forward, and Arsenal’s scouts were also in attendance and came away impressed by what they saw.
The Red Devils currently have Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee as their recognised striker options, with Matheus Cunha, Marcus Rashford and Bryan Mbeumo capable of providing cover from the flanks.
Zirkzee has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot under Michael Carrick and has been linked with a return to Serie A, prompting United to identify potential replacements.
Sesko arrived from RB Leipzig and needed time to adjust to the Premier League’s physicality before showing his qualities during the second half of last season.
Elias has a release clause of £30m written into his contract, which runs until 2029, and Shakhtar have made clear they will not accept anything below that figure.
AC Milan and FC Porto are also credited with interest in the striker, though Arsenal and United hold a financial advantage over their rivals in this race.
Arsenal’s interest in Elias may be connected to the uncertain future of Gabriel Jesus, who has entered the final year of his contract at the Emirates Stadium.
With speculation mounting over whether Jesus will remain, the Gunners appear to be lining up a long-term option to lead their attack going forward.
Elias himself is understood to be open to leaving Shakhtar in order to take the next step in his career, which could accelerate any potential transfer this summer.