Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly fighting it out to sign Shakhtar Donetsk striker Kauã Elias, with interest from both clubs intensifying rapidly.
The 20-year-old Brazilian forward has caught the attention of around 10 potential suitors, several of whom were reportedly present at Arena Lviv to watch him in action firsthand.
Elias delivered a standout performance on August 3, scoring a perfect hat-trick as Shakhtar dismantled Kudrivka 5-1 in the Ukrainian domestic top flight.
The young forward has posted impressive numbers overall, netting 15 goals across 49 appearances for Shakhtar since arriving from Brazilian club Fluminense in February 2025 for £14.5m.
TEAMtalk report that Elias is valued at £30 million, with Arsenal’s pursuit described as having notably ‘intensified’ in recent weeks among the field of interested clubs.
Shakhtar are in no rush to do business, insisting that clubs must meet their £30m asking price in full before they will entertain any serious discussions over a transfer.
The Ukrainian club holds all the leverage in negotiations, with Elias tied down to a contract running until December 2029, giving them no obligation to sell.
FC Porto and AC Milan have also entered the picture alongside Arsenal and United, meaning the competition for Elias promises to be fierce across European football this summer.
For Manchester United, the pursuit of Elias is driven in part by concerns over Joshua Zirkzee, who has struggled for consistency in the Premier League and has been linked with a return to Serie A.
United do have Benjamin Sesko and Zirkzee as their specialist striker options, along with Matheus Cunha, Marcus Rashford, and Bryan Mbeumo capable of filling in, though the latter trio are more naturally suited to wide positions.
Sesko himself took time to adapt after joining from RB Leipzig before showing glimpses of his quality during the second half of last season under manager Michael Carrick.
European football expert Andy Brassell, speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, argued that English clubs should resist a quick move and instead judge Elias in the Champions League, with Shakhtar set to compete in the league phase this season.
That competition will hand Elias his Champions League debut and offer the clearest possible audition for any club serious about spending £30m on his signature.