Arsenal’s academy boasts one of the most prolific youngsters in the world, yet many end up playing elsewhere. It’s not easy to find a straight path to the starting XI, and hence, some of these players flourish in clubs around Europe.
One notable name who is grabbing a lot of attention at Austrian club Sturm Graz is Mika Biereth. The 21-year-old star left the North London outfit in a permanent move this summer.
The forward scored a brilliant hattrick vs. RB Salzburg and has continued to flourish with seven goals and an assist in nine appearances this season.
Arsenal cast-off Biereth blazing a trail at Sturm Graz
Mika joined the Gunners from Fulham, signing his first professional contract on July 30, 2021. He was initially sent on loan to Dutch side RKC Waalwijk in 2022 but had minimal impact.
However, the youngster had a wonderful 2023/24 season, starting from his loan spell with Scottish club Motherwell. He registered six goals and five assists during his time there. He was also first called up by Denmark’s U21 side.
Months later, he moved to SK Sturm Graz, signing a short-term deal in January 2024. The Austrian outfit were very impressed by the Arsenal ace’s display as he helped his team win the league and a cup double for only the second time in their history, ending Salzburg’s decade-long dominance.
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They also secured a Champions League group stage birth for the first time since 2000-2001. Hence, the league leaders decided to sign him permanently for £4 million this summer. Mika has continued where he left off with a goal contribution every 90 minutes. He is currently at the top of the golden boot race in the Austrian Bundesliga.
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The former Arsenal star has been compared to Leicester City star Jamie Vardy. The No. 9 has a knack of scoring goals and shows aggression upfront. During his time at the Hale End Academy, the starlet developed his all-round skill set, improving his defensive prowess as well.
Once a Gooner, Always a Gooner?
Mika revealed that he dreamed of starting for Arsenal but admitted that he was way off securing a place. He was named in the senior matchday squad four times but still couldn’t make a breakthrough.
Due to limited chances, he had to join Graz, where he enjoyed playing regularly. However, he is still gutted to leave the Emirates, as he talked about his feelings after securing a permanent switch. He said:
“Of course, I’m sad to have left Arsenal. It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world, but now I’m in Graz, playing Champions League football.”
“It’s only when you leave the Arsenal bubble that you realise how hard it is to make a name for yourself. When you’re 18 or 19, Arsenal is all you dream about, and if you don’t make the first team, you feel like a failure.”
However, as per recent reports, the English giants can still have a say in Mika’s future. Life beyond Arsenal doesn’t mean that you are completely forgotten.
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Mikel Arteta’s side are still monitoring the forward, whose contract expires in June 2028. They have inserted a £7 million buyback option in the deal, and remain in contention to re-sign him, according to Arsenal Fanatics News on their Patreon.
However, other clubs might also come in this race, but the Gooners still have an upper hand due to the player’s fond memories during his time at the N5.
Recently, he posted a heartwarming message on Instagram after completing his move to Sturm Graz. He wrote, “Once a gooner, always a gooner. Thank you for everything.”
We are optimistic that the North London outfit will make things work out if their former starlet continues to create headlines.
