Sturm Graz splash out record fee to sign Arsenal forward | OneFootball

Austrian Bundesliga club Sturm Graz have agreed a £4 million fee with Arsenal for the transfer of striker Mika Biereth, according to The Athletic.

They are paying a club record fee and a sell-on clause has been included in the deal, which will see the Gunners profit from any future sales.

Biereth played for Sturm Graz during the second half of 2023-24, having spent the first half on loan with Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.

The 21-year-old joined Arsenal from Fulham in July 2021 after ending the campaign with 21 goals in 21 games for their under-18s.

However, he was unable to force his way into the first team and failed to make his competitive debut.

Biereth helped the Austrian club win the league title last term, and his performances were enough to earn him a permanent move.

With Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah competing for a spot as the first-choice striker, getting a chance from manager Mikel Arteta was always going to be tough for Biereth.

He impressed at Motherwell, scoring six goals and assisting another five, but it was not enough to convince the first-team coaches at Arsenal.

Biereth will get a chance to play Champions League football next season and prove what he can do on the biggest stage, having impressed in the Europa Conference League last term.

The youngster has the potential to become a world-class striker despite being sold by the Gunners, and the club will not lose out if he earns a big-money move due to the sell-on clause in his deal.