Mika Biereth continues fine form for Sturm Graz, third goal in five appearances

Arsenal loanee Mika Biereth continued his fine form for Sturm Graz yesterday by scoring the winner in the Europa Conference League game against Slovan Bratislava.

The 21-year-old spent the first half of the season with Motherwell in Scotland. He registered six goals and five assists from 15 appearances across all competitions.

Due to his good progress, the Gunners decided to recall and send him to Sturm Graz, who are currently two points behind Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga.

The Danish striker has not scored in his two league games for the club, but he has certainly made an impression in the Cup competitions with three goals in three outings.

Biereth scored his maiden goal in the OFB Cup quarter-final against Austria Vienna and has followed it up by scoring home and away against Bratislava in the Conference League.

He has certainly made an instant impact with the Austrian outfit and Arsenal have a big decision to make over his future when the transfer window reopens this summer.

Sturm Graz sporting director recently revealed that the Gunners were reluctant to accept a buy option in his contract, but added that the club will attempt to keep him.

Biereth’s current deal at Arsenal expires in June 2025. In our view, it seems unlikely that the youngster will break into the Gunners’ first-team squad in the next campaign.

Just like Folarin Balogun last summer, the club are more likely to cash in on his services. Being homegrown, his departure would represent pure profit when it comes to Financial Fair Play.

If Sturm Graz want to retain his services permanently, they may need to break their current transfer record of €3.9 million unless they are prepared to include a significant sell-on clause.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com