- 8 hours ago
Arsenal finally close in on striker transfer
Tom Weber
- Updated: 5 Jul 2024 10:12 CDT
- 2 min read
Arsenal are set to complete the sale of prolific youngster Mika Biereth, according to a report.
The Danish striker has been the subject of intense transfer speculation in recent weeks after enjoying a real breakout campaign last term. Having started the season on loan at Motherwell, for whom he netted six times and assisted five in just 15 games, he joined Conference League side Sturm Graz for the second half of the term.
In Austria, Biereth continued his good form, scoring nine times and adding four assists in 22 outings. The 21-year-old impressed particularly in Europe, finding the net three times in four games, while also proving crucial domestically.
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Graz spectacularly won the Austrian double last season, breaking RB Salzburg's decade-long vice grip on the Bundesliga and Biereth played a vital role in this impressive achievement. As a result, Graz had been desperate to keep the young star around permanently.
STATS
M. Biereth
F (C)
Sturm Graz
M. Biereth
F (C)
Sturm Graz
Graz get their man
According to the Evening Standard, their efforts are now set to be rewarded. It is claimed that the Austrian side have reached an agreement with Arsenal for a bargain £4 million (€4.7m) transfer.
It is a club record fee for the Austrian champions, though Biereth's performances last season suggest that it will be money well spent. The 21-year-old leaves Arsenal not having made a single first-team appearance.
Biereth still needs to fully agree personal terms and undergo his medical with Graz before the deal will be officially announced.
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There had been suggestions that Biereth could be given a chance under Mikel Arteta as Arsenal have failed to land top summer target Benjamin Sesko, but it is now evident that they will look for a different solution in that position should they still feel the need to add another centre-forward.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are still desperately trying to keep hold of academy striker Chido Obi-Martin, having recently improved their contract offer for the 16-year-old to fend off interest from Bayern and Borussia Dortmund.
