Kaua Elias shines in Shakhtar win as Arsenal and Manchester United track Brazil forward

Arsenal and Manchester United sent scouts to watch Shakhtar Donetsk forward Kaua Elias, who strengthened his growing reputation by scoring a second-half hat-trick in a 5-1 victory over Kudrivka.

The 20-year-old Brazil striker scored three different types of goals during Monday’s match in Lviv, Ukraine. He headed in one, finished with his left foot for another and completed his treble with his right, underlining the range of his attacking ability.

According to British newspaper The Sun, representatives from both Arsenal and Manchester United were in the stands to assess Elias at close quarters. Italian club Milan and Portuguese side Porto are also understood to be monitoring the forward’s progress.

Elias made a decisive contribution as Shakhtar moved to a convincing victory, but his performance also highlighted why several major European clubs are keeping him under observation. He demonstrated that he can threaten opponents with either foot, provide a danger in the air and remain composed when chances fall to him inside the penalty area.

The striker has previously represented Brazil at youth level, adding international experience to his profile despite his age. Shakhtar value him at about £30m, with the Ukrainian club in a strong negotiating position because his current contract runs until 2029.

That long-term agreement means Shakhtar are unlikely to reduce their financial demands as interest in Elias grows. The club can therefore decide whether to retain one of its most valuable young attacking players or consider a substantial offer from one of Europe’s leading sides.

Elias is reportedly open to a move to one of Europe’s major leagues, although any transfer would depend on the sporting project being offered to him. The Sun reports that the Brazilian would be prepared to leave Shakhtar if he receives a proposal that fits his ambitions and provides the right conditions for the next stage of his career.

His hat-trick has consequently increased the attention around a player whose development is being followed by clubs in England, Italy and Portugal. Arsenal and Manchester United now have a direct assessment of Elias’s performance, while Milan and Porto continue to track his progress.