Mika Biereth, the young Danish striker currently on loan at Sturm Graz, is determined to achieve his dream of playing for Arsenal’s first team.

While Biereth has spent time on loan at Motherwell and Sturm Graz, it was recently revealed that Arsenal rejected a chance to sell him permanently in January. This suggests the club sees potential in Biereth, but can he overcome the fierce competition at Arsenal and convince manager Mikel Arteta to give him a shot?

Mika Biereth, currently on loan at Sturm Graz in Austria, has his sights set firmly on achieving his dream of playing for Arsenal‘s first team. Despite loan spells at Motherwell and now Sturm Graz, the 21-year-old revealed that Arsenal rejected a chance to sell him permanently in January.

“They [Arsenal] tried to make a permanent deal in January, but Arsenal were very clear that I was not for sale,” Biereth told Bold in an interview last month when he was with the u21 Danish national team.

This suggests Arsenal still hold high hopes for Biereth’s future at the club. With only a year left on his contract, however, Biereth acknowledges the situation might change come summer: “I think with only one year left on my contract it might be a little different this summer.”

While unsure if Sturm Graz will attempt another permanent deal, Biereth believes he’s impressed during his loan spell: “I’m sure that at least I haven’t shown myself badly.”

Biereth’s confidence is justified. He’s enjoyed a successful start in Austria, racking up eight goals in just 12 appearances, with an assist also thrown in. However, his ambition lies with Arsenal: “I have a year left on my contract, so when I come back in the summer I will still be an Arsenal player. It’s just about getting back and seeing if I can impress the boss [Mikel Arteta].”

Biereth acknowledges the fierce competition at Arsenal, particularly with their current fight for the Premier League and Champions League titles. “The competition has always been tough, but it is probably tougher than ever now,” he admits.

Despite the challenge, Biereth remains determined: “But as I said, I just have to do what I can so that I can be in a good position when I come back.”

If a future at Arsenal doesn’t materialise, Biereth’s recent performances have certainly put him in a strong position elsewhere: “If Arsenal don’t want me there and they think they can make some money by selling me, I think I’m in a good position to play at a good level next year.”

Biereth’s career so far

Mika Biereth’s professional club stats outside of youth competitions highlight his developing career. In total, combining his stints at various clubs, Biereth has played in 39 matches, scoring 16 goals and providing six assists, while also receiving four yellow cards, accumulating 2,175 minutes of gametime.

Specifically, during his time with Motherwell FC, he played in 15 games, scoring six goals and creating five assists. He also received two yellow cards, and totalled 1,045 minutes on the pitch.

At RKC Waalwijk, he made 13 appearances, found the back of the net twice, and was cautioned once, contributing over 357 minutes of playing time.

While with SK Sturm Graz, Biereth appeared in 12 matches, impressively scoring eight goals and providing one assist. He also received one yellow card during his 863 minutes on the field.