Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Shakhtar Donetsk striker Kaua Elias, as per The Sun.
The Red Devils currently have Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee as specialist striker options. Moreover, Matheus Cunha, Marcus Rashford and Bryan Mbeumo can provide cover in this position if needed. However, the trio is more comfortable on the flanks.
After moving to Old Trafford from RB Leipzig, Sesko initially took time to adapt to the Premier League’s physicality before showing glimpses of his qualities during the second half of last season.
On the other hand, Zirkzee has struggled to find his feet in the English top-flight; as a result, he hasn’t been able to play regularly under Michael Carrick.
Now, The Sun report that United are planning to bolster the No.9 position as Zirkzee has been linked with a move back to Serie A and have identified Elias as a potential option.
United sent scouts to watch the 20-year-old in action for Shakhtar Donetsk vs Kudrivka in a Ukrainian Premier League fixture, where he helped his side win the game 5-1 by scoring a perfect hat-trick.
However, Arsenal are also in this race and have been monitoring his development closely in recent weeks. Their scouts were also present at Arena Lviv, and they were impressed by him.
Battle
The report state that apart from the Premier League giants, AC Milan and FC Porto are also interested in Elias. However, Arsenal and Man Utd are richer and can manage to secure his services by triggering his £30m release clause.
With the player’s existing deal set to run until 2029, Shakhtar have no intention of letting him leave for anything less than that sum. On the other hand, Elias is ready to leave to take the next step in his career.
Gabriel Jesus has entered the final year of his current contract, so speculation surrounding his future has been emerging in recent weeks. Therefore, it appears Arsenal are lining up a potential replacement for the Brazilian if he were to leave this summer.
Elias is a highly talented young player and could be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal or Man Utd with a view to the long-term future should either club purchase him.
Other News
