Brazil has never struggled to produce exciting forwards, and Kauã Elias Arsenal interest is growing as the Brazilian wonderkid attracts attention from two of England’s biggest clubs.
Interest in Elias has grown rapidly after another impressive performance for Shakhtar. Scouts from both Premier League clubs were reportedly watching when the Brazilian scored a perfect hat-trick, finding the net with his head, left foot and right foot.Kauã Elias Arsenal
That performance has only strengthened the feeling that another Brazilian youngster could soon be heading towards one of Europe’s biggest leagues.
But who exactly is Kauã Elias, and why are Arsenal and Manchester United watching him?
Who Is Kauã Elias?
Kauã Elias Nogueira was born on March 28, 2006, in Uberlândia, Brazil.
The centre-forward developed at Fluminense’s famous academy before making his senior debut for the Brazilian club in May 2023.
He made 47 first-team appearances for Fluminense, scoring eight goals and providing two assists before moving to Shakhtar Donetsk in February 2025.
His time in Brazil also brought major silverware. Elias was part of the Fluminense squad that won the 2023 Copa Libertadores.
His reputation had already begun growing at international youth level.
Playing for Brazil’s Under-17 team, Elias helped his country win the 2023 South American U-17 Championship and finished as the tournament’s joint top scorer with four goals.
Shakhtar recognised his potential early and brought him to European football.
Why Arsenal and Manchester United Are Watching Him
Premier League clubs scout hundreds of young players every season, but Elias has begun separating himself from the crowd.
Reports suggest representatives from both Arsenal and Manchester United recently watched the striker in action for Shakhtar Donetsk.
They could hardly have selected a better match.
Elias scored a perfect hat-trick, demonstrating exactly why European clubs are paying attention.
One goal came from his right foot, another from his left and another from a header.
For recruitment departments searching for a modern centre-forward, that versatility in front of goal is extremely attractive.
What Type of Striker Is Kauã Elias?
Elias is primarily a centre-forward.
At around 1.81 metres tall, he possesses enough physical presence to compete with central defenders without sacrificing mobility.
Shakhtar describe him as a forward with a natural instinct for goals who is strong in the air, quick and technically capable.
That combination matters.
Modern Premier League forwards are increasingly expected to contribute far beyond simply finishing chances.
They must press defenders, make runs behind the back line, receive possession under pressure and participate in build-up play.
Elias has shown signs that he can develop in each of those areas.
His Biggest Strength: Finishing
Goals remain the most valuable currency for any striker.
Elias has demonstrated an ability to finish chances in different ways rather than relying on one particular type of opportunity.
He can attack crosses in the air, finish inside the penalty area and strike from positions outside the box.
His recent perfect hat-trick was an ideal demonstration of that variety.
For a player still only 20, his composure around goal is perhaps the biggest reason elite clubs are monitoring his development.
His Development at Shakhtar Donetsk
Moving from Brazilian football to Ukraine at 18 represented a major step.
Shakhtar have a long history of recruiting young Brazilian footballers and helping them adjust to European football.
Elias joined the club from Fluminense in February 2025 on a five-year contract.
His first full campaign demonstrated encouraging progress.
During the 2025/26 Ukrainian Premier League season, he scored six goals in 18 appearances. He also gained valuable European experience through Shakhtar’s continental campaign.
Those matches have exposed him to different tactical systems and more physical defensive opponents.
That experience could prove important if his next destination is England.
Why Arsenal Could Want Kauã Elias
Arsenal’s interest fits their recent recruitment strategy.
The club have increasingly targeted young players capable of developing inside Mikel Arteta’s system rather than concentrating exclusively on established stars.
Elias would offer Arsenal a long-term centre-forward option.
His movement could work particularly well with Arsenal’s creative players, while his aerial ability would provide another target when opponents defend deep.
He would not necessarily arrive expecting to start every Premier League match.
Instead, Arsenal could gradually develop him while giving him opportunities across domestic and European competitions.
Why Manchester United Could Want Him
Manchester United’s interest is equally interesting.
United continue to rebuild their attacking options and need forwards capable of contributing to an aggressive pressing system.
Elias possesses the speed and physical qualities required to trouble Premier League defenders.
More importantly, he still has considerable room for development.
Rather than purchasing a striker already at his peak, United could acquire a player capable of becoming considerably more valuable over the next several seasons.
That approach carries risk, but it also offers enormous potential reward.
Arsenal or Manchester United: Which Club Would Suit Him Better?
This could eventually become the biggest question surrounding the transfer.
Arsenal currently offer a more settled footballing structure.
A young striker joining the club would enter a team accustomed to controlling possession and creating large numbers of attacking situations.
Manchester United could potentially offer a different opportunity.
Depending on their squad decisions, Elias might find a clearer route towards regular first-team football.
His decision, should formal offers eventually arrive, may therefore depend on playing time as much as money.
At 20, regular football will remain essential to his development.
Other European Clubs Are Watching
Arsenal and Manchester United are not believed to be alone.
AC Milan and Porto have also been linked with the Brazilian striker.
That competition is important because Elias does not necessarily need to move directly to the Premier League.
Porto have an outstanding reputation for developing South American players before they move to Europe’s richest clubs.
Milan could offer another route through Serie A.
The presence of several interested clubs gives Shakhtar a strong negotiating position.
How Much Could Kauã Elias Cost?
Recent reports have placed Shakhtar’s valuation at around £30 million.
That is a considerable amount for a 20-year-old striker who is still developing.
However, clubs increasingly pay for potential rather than waiting until a young player becomes an established international star.
Waiting can be considerably more expensive.
If Elias continues scoring and performs well in European competition, his value could rise quickly.
That is precisely why Arsenal and Manchester United appear to be watching now.
Is a Transfer Close?
Not yet.
This distinction is important.
Arsenal and Manchester United reportedly scouting Elias does not mean either club has completed a deal or even submitted a formal offer.
At present, the story concerns serious interest and continued monitoring.
Transfer situations can develop quickly, particularly when several major clubs are involved, but supporters should wait for stronger confirmation before treating either destination as likely.
Why Elias Is a Name Worth Remembering
Not every highly rated Brazilian youngster becomes a Premier League star.
Development is rarely straightforward.
However, Elias already possesses several characteristics that major clubs look for: finishing ability, pace, physical strength, aerial threat and experience playing senior football at a young age.
He has also experienced pressure.
Winning the Copa Libertadores with Fluminense, representing Brazil at youth level and playing European football with Shakhtar have given him a varied football education before his 21st birthday.
Final Thoughts
Kauã Elias may still be unfamiliar to many Premier League supporters, but that could change quickly.
Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly watching one of Brazilian football’s most interesting young strikers, and his perfect hat-trick has arrived at an ideal moment.
For Arsenal, Elias could represent another long-term attacking investment.
For Manchester United, he could become part of the club’s next generation of forwards.
Shakhtar Donetsk, meanwhile, have little reason to rush.
Elias is young, developing and under contract.
If his performances continue attracting Europe’s biggest clubs, the competition for his signature may only become stronger.
For now, Kauã Elias remains a Shakhtar player.
But he is certainly a name Premier League supporters should remember.
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