When holding talks to bring in one of Arsenal’s most talented youngsters, it quickly became apparent that the deal would not be cheap.
In fact, it would prove to be historically expensive. The sort of signing which immediately takes centre-stage in the history books.
Mika Biereth’s Arsenal career officially come to an end on Monday.
After an uber-successful spell out on loan at Austrian champions Sturm Graz in the second half of last season, the 21-year-old centre-forward returns as a permanent member of the squad.
And it is difficult to understate just how thrilled the Merkur Arena bosses are about that, sporting director Andreas Schicker convinced that – for £4 million – he has just secured the services of a player with considerable goalscoring potential for the coming years.
Arsenal striker Mika Biereth seals Sturm Graz switch
“Mika is an absolute top striker for our system, with power, depth and an enormous goal threat,” Schicker beams, via the club’s official website. “We never made it a secret that we wanted to see Mika continue in Graz after his excellent performances in the spring.
“We are therefore extremely happy that we were now able to implement this venture. In addition to the very good discussions with Arsenal, Mika’s very clear commitment to SK Sturm was crucial.
“We are extremely happy that he doesn’t see his job at Sturm as over yet and to continue to see him in the Sturm shirt.”
Biereth, during spells first at Motherwell and then Sturm Graz in 2023/24, ended the campaign with 15 goals to his name. The one-time Fulham prospect even added the Austrian Cup to his Bundesliga winners’ medal, Sturm ending years of domestic domination from Red Bull Salzburg.
“We are extremely happy that Mika is now a SK Sturm player after tough but fair and appreciative negotiations,” adds managing director Thomas Tebbich.
“It is of course clear that we had to take a big step economically for this transfer, but we are absolutely convinced of Mika and his potential and are therefore sure that this transfer will bring us a lot of joy!”
Striker has a big future away from Emirates
With only 12 months left on his Arsenal contract – and having outgrown reserve team football at the age of 21 – perhaps The Gunners felt that this was the right time to move on from Biereth. Despite his obvious potential – comparisons have been drawn with former Sturm starlet and now-Man United hitman Rasmus Hojlund – Biereth never made a first-team appearance under Mikel Arteta.
“I’m extremely happy,” the Denmark Under 21 international adds, pleased to finally put down his roots after years of loan spells and living out of a suitcase.
Biereth could also come up against Arsenal next season in the Champions League group-stages.
“I think everyone saw how comfortable I felt during my loan here at the club and in the team,” the youngster adds. “There was also the great sporting success with the double and qualification for the Champions League, which I’m extremely looking forward to.
“I would like to thank Andreas Schicker for putting so much effort into me and I am really looking forward to hopefully repaying this trust and achieving our goals together with the team.
“Let’s go! I’m really happy to be back in Graz!”
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