Kaua Elias: Man United and Arsenal scouts present as Shakhtar forward nets hat-trick

Manchester United and Arsenal scouts were in Lviv on Monday when Kaua Elias scored a hat-trick for Shakhtar Donetsk in a 5-1 victory over Kudrivka in the opening match of the 2026/27 Ukrainian league.

Born on March 28, 2006, Elias is a 20-year-old centre forward who wears the number 9 shirt for Shakhtar and stands 1.81 metres tall. He rose through Fluminense’s youth system, made his senior professional debut and was part of a squad that won the Copa Libertadores in 2023 before moving to Shakhtar in February 2025. Since his arrival he has become a regular attacking option for the club.

In Lviv Elias scored a header, a left-footed goal and a right-footed strike in the second half to complete his hat-trick as Shakhtar defeated Kudrivka 5-1; Santana and Meirelles were the other scorers and every goalscorer was Brazilian. Scouts from Arsenal and Manchester United were in attendance, with AC Milan and FC Porto also reported to be interested.

Elias has demonstrated that he is a full-fledged centre-forward who can use both feet, be a threat in the air, and remain composed within the penalty area. Observers note his technical proficiency and goal-scoring ability, and the player is credited with combining traditional striker traits with contemporary skills after being shaped as a number 10 in his early youth.

At youth international level he has featured for Brazil’s U17 side, scoring nine goals in 12 games. He is described as energetic and smart, known for quick movement inside the penalty box, strength and effective one-touch finishing, often operating as a “fox in the box” with quick spatial awareness.

Clubs tracking him include Manchester United, Arsenal, AC Milan and FC Porto, all reported to have shown interest following recent performances. An official bid is anticipated and Shakhtar value the forward at around £30 million.

An official offer for Elias is expected to materialize as interested clubs move to formalize their interest; the valuation placed on him by Shakhtar stands at about £30 million, setting the likely starting point for any negotiation.