Man Utd and Arsenal both sent scouts to check out the same £30m player, and his recent game really says a lot about him.
Manchester United and Arsenal both sent scouts to check out a game featuring Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk – and what they saw really stood out.
Both clubs have been busy in the transfer window this summer. United have strengthened their midfield by signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans from Chelsea and Aston Villa. Arsenal, on the other hand, have signed Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis for £35 million and are close to landing Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Arsenal has also prepared a big budget to try to sign Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid, but reports from Spain say he’s close to renewing his contract with Los Blancos. So, Arsenal is looking at other options — including one of Vinicius’ younger Brazilian teammates.
According to The Sun, both Premier League clubs sent scouts to watch Shakhtar striker Kaua Elias during a Ukrainian Premier League match against Kudrivka, which Shakhtar won 5-1. The 20-year-old, valued at about £30 million, scored a perfect hat-trick, showing just how talented he is.
Both clubs were very impressed with Elias, praising his technical skills and coolness in front of goal — qualities that make him stand out from other young forwards. The Guardian even named him the best young football talent born in 2006.
Born in Brazil, Elias came up through the youth ranks at Fluminense before breaking into the first team. Shakhtar signed him last year, and he’s under contract until December 2029. Big clubs like AC Milan and FC Porto are also said to be interested.
Last season, he scored six goals and helped set up two more in 18 league games. The 5-1 win against Kudrivka was his first game this season.
Shakhtar is currently coached by Atletico Madrid legend Arda Turan, who helped the team win the league last season and reach the Conference League semi-finals.
Elias told Shakhtar’s official website how much he values Turan’s leadership: “He really understands what we need most. He talks to us about football and personal things, guiding us to not only win games but to do so while sticking to our values.”
About his hat-trick, Elias said: “The first goal came from a great cross, and I just had to finish it. For the second, I won the ball and scored. The third was after a quick counter-attack — I beat the defenders and scored past the goalie. I want to thank my teammate Alisson for helping me with these goals. I’m so happy and full of emotions!”