The Athletic has reported that Arsenal have finalized the sale of youngster Mika Biereth to SK Sturm Graz. The North London club will receive £4 million in transfer fee and have included a sell-on clause in the deal.
Mika Biereth Quits Arsenal to Join Sturm Graz
Impressive Loan Spell
Biereth started his youth career with Fulham before joining Arsenal’s Hale End academy in 2021. The Dane was sent out on loan across Europe for the next three years. He spent time at Eredivisie outfit RKC Waalwijk and Scottish side Motherwell before joining Sturm Graz on a short-term loan in 2024.
Biereth impressed the coaches at Sturm Graz after scoring nine goals and providing four assists in just 22 appearances. He played a vital role as the Austrian side won its fourth league title last season.
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In May 2024, Sturm Graz‘s sporting director, Andreas Schicker indicated his willingness to sign the 21-year-old permanently. He said: “Yes, will want to try to get Mika permanently. We have an appointment with Arsenal next week. Perhaps they will present a price that is manageable for us. We can push our limits a little for a player like him.”
Why Have Arsenal Sold Him?
Arsenal have been looking to raise money through the sale of fringe players. Moreover, the money received from Biereth’s transfer move will be accounted as pure profit since he is an academy product. This will help them to comply with the Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Though talented, Biereth’s chances of becoming a regular in the first team are slim. So, there is no point in holding onto him. Besides, the Gunners have a teenage striker Chido Obi Martin waiting in the wings and consider him a better prospect than Biereth.
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In the past, Arsenal have been guilty of not selling players at the right moment. A perfect example is the case of Ainsley Maitland Niles, who was kept at the club for an unnecessarily long time only to see his market value erode. Eventually, he joined Ligue 1 team Lyon on a free transfer.
They have learned from the past and moved on from the “fearless striker” after a successful stint in Europe. A sell-on clause could also guarantee future profit if he reaches his potential while in Austria.
