Sturm Graz are keen to sign Mika Biereth permanently this summer, even trying to put a purchase clause in his loan deal in January.

Simon Collings reports for the Evening Standard that Mika Biereth’s loan deal with Sturm Graz doesn’t contain an option to buy, but the club want to bring him in permanently this summer.

“It has been a really good start. He arrived late to our training camp in Turkey, but he still scored in his very first training match,” Sturm Graz sporting director Andreas Schicker said.

“He has been well received by his teammates, and my impression is that he is happy to be here, even though he obviously lacks some understanding of our playing style.

“It’s completely normal for it to be like this, and we are very happy with Mika so far.”

“Arsenal was not willing to include an option to buy, but nevertheless, we will still explore the possibility of keeping Mika longer than the summer,” Schicker continued.

“Right now, we are just focusing on having a really skilled attacker that we can benefit from in the current half-season. What happens next, time will tell.”

Biereth is getting some valuable experience on loan in Austria, not least through his appearances in the Europa Conference League.

The striker scored home and away against Slovan Bratislava to help his loan side into the next round, and they’ve drawn Ligue 1 side Lille as their last-16 opponents.

Biereth received a nomination for the Europa Conference League’s Player of the Week award this week, and he also scored on his debut in the Austrian domestic cup.

The one area the 21-year-old will still be looking to improve is in the Austrian Bundesliga, where he’s made two appearances without a goal or assist so far.

But three goals in five games is a great start, and there’s likely more to come from the Arsenal loanee.

Biereth also scored six and assisted five for Motherwell in the first half of the season, bringing him to 14 goals and assists between the two loan spells so far.

Mika Biereth background

Name: Mika Miles Biereth
Born: February 8, 2003 in London, England
Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Nationality: English with Danish descent
Position: Forward

Mika Biereth career

• Youth Career: Began with Fulham’s academy before joining Arsenal in 2021.
• Arsenal: Signed a professional contract with Arsenal in July 2021.
• RKC Waalwijk (Loan): Spent the 2022/23 season on loan at the Dutch club RKC Waalwijk, scoring 2 goals in 12 appearances.
• SK Sturm Graz (Loan): Currently on loan to the Austrian club SK Sturm Graz. He impressed with a debut goal in their Austrian Cup victory over Austrian Wien and opened his league scoring account in a win over Slovan Bratislava.
• International: Represents Denmark at the youth level. He made his debut for Denmark U19 in September 2021 and received his first call-up to Denmark U21 in March 2023.

Mika Biereth playing style

• Physical striker: Biereth is known for his height and strength, making him a presence in the box.
• Work rate: Described as having a high work rate, pressing opponents, and contributing defensively.
• Poacher: Reports suggest he has a poacher’s instinct, being in the right place to finish chances.

Where to find more:

• Arsenal Website: Check his profile on Arsenal’s website.
• Transfermarkt: Find his stats and career history on Transfermarkt.