Arsenal have signed Fulham striker and standout u18 performer Mika Biereth for their u23s, according to a report.

The Athletic report that the Arsenal academy have signed Mika Biereth of Fulham. The striker turned down a professional contract with his former club, choosing to join Arsenal instead.

Biereth was arguably the standout player in u18 Premier League football last season. His tally of 21 goals in 21 games, with just two penalties, was the best in the South Division. It was also the second-best overall, only behind Charlie McNeill’s 24.

But Biereth added another 13 assists in those games, bringing him to a total of 34 league goals and assists – unmatched in the north or the south divisions. No one else got more than 30 in 2020/21.

More than that, Biereth has been hugely impressive in the big games since the turn of the year. He has 10 g/a in five London derbies in 2021, including goals against Arsenal and Chelsea and a hat-trick in 68 minutes against Spurs.

It looks like Arsenal are a good fit for him right now. With Nikolaj Moller and Tyreece John-Jules likely going on loan and Folarin Balogun promoted to the first-team squad, there’s a gap for a new u23 striker.

Biereth has now aged out of u18 football, so that’s the level he’ll be playing at, to begin with.

Before Biereth’s arrival, Arsenal likely would have been looking at the likes of Khayon Edwards and Amani Richards to fill the u23 striker spot. Unlike Biereth, those two are both still young enough for the u18s, so it would have been a bit of a jump.

If Arsenal can finalise and announce Biereth’s arrival quickly, he could be involved in the upcoming friendlies against Bromley FC (July 27th), Ebbsfleet United (July 31st), and Boreham Wood (August 6th).