9 Goals in 14 Games: Former Arsenal Player Wants “Fantastic” Return to North London

Mika Biereth’s impressive performances at Sturm Graz have sparked discussions about his potential future moves. The former Arsenal academy striker has not dismissed the idea of returning to his old club in north London.

While he remains focused on his current success in Austria, Biereth has expressed that the thought of wearing an Arsenal jersey again would be a “fantastic” opportunity.

The 21-year-old forward made his permanent move to Sturm Graz this summer after excelling during a loan spell. This season, he has been in outstanding form, netting nine goals and delivering two assists in 14 domestic matches.

Biereth’s recent hat-trick against RB Salzburg highlighted his growth as a player, emphasizing the attacking qualities that initially caught Arsenal’s eye. Additionally, he contributed a goal and an assist during a 5-2 victory over Grazer AK 1902 this past weekend.

But despite his ambitions to potentially return to Arsenal, Biereth remains grounded. “A transfer back to Arsenal would be fantastic,” he told TV2, “but it’s not something I’m focusing on right now.

“If I keep playing well and scoring goals, hopefully a change can come, but right now I’m focused on Sturm and on doing well and scoring goals.”

Mika Biereth’s time at Arsenal did not reach the heights he might have hoped for at the senior level. The Danish striker joined the Gunners in 2021 from Fulham, where he had excelled in their youth setup. Despite being included in several Arsenal senior matchday squads, he never made an appearance for the first team.

He later embarked on loan spells at RKC Waalwijk and Kilmarnock, but it wasn’t until his move to Sturm Graz in January 2024 that his career truly began to flourish.

During that loan stint, Biereth played a crucial role in helping Sturm Graz achieve a domestic double. He found the back of the net nine times in 22 games, earning the admiration and support of the club’s fans.

His successful loan paved the way for a permanent move, with Sturm Graz quickly securing his signature for a reported fee of around £4 million, the highest in the club’s history.

Arsenal ensured they included a significant sell-on clause in the deal, demonstrating their belief in Biereth’s future potential.

Now contracted with Sturm Graz until 2028, Biereth is thriving. As the Austrian league leaders aim to defend their title, they are relying heavily on his contributions, and he is determined to meet their expectations.

Reflecting on his career shift, Biereth has expressed contentment with his current situation, highlighting the advantages of playing in Graz—a smaller and less distracting environment compared to the bustling city of London.

“Things are going well in Sturm Graz. I have nothing to complain about right now. I play every week at a good level, and now we also play in the Champions League, where I’m still waiting for my first goal,” Biereth said.

Although Mika Biereth has yet to score in his two Champions League appearances, his participation in Europe’s premier club competition highlights the significant strides he has made since leaving Arsenal.

Settling in Graz has provided Biereth with the stability and consistency that eluded him during his time in London. “As a young player in London, there are many distractions. Some are good, some are not so good.

“In Graz, it’s a much smaller city, and there are not so many opportunities to do something wrong,” he explained. The change of environment has allowed Biereth to focus on his football, and the results speak for themselves.

Sturm Graz have kicked off their 2024/25 season with an impressive start, leading the Austrian league. However, the race remains tight, with Rapid Wien trailing by just a single point.

While Mika Biereth remains focused on his current duties, it is evident that a return to Arsenal is still a cherished dream—one that could become a reality if he continues to deliver outstanding performances.

Biereth’s connection to Arsenal has never wavered, as shown by his heartfelt message on social media after his transfer: “Once a Gooner, always a Gooner. Thank you for everything.”

For now, he is flourishing in Graz, but Arsenal fans and scouts are sure to be closely monitoring his progress.

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