Mika Biereth, the 21-year-old former Arsenal striker, recently opened up about his decision to leave the club permanently for Austrian side Sturm Graz.

The Danish forward, who joined Arsenal from Fulham in 2021, sealed a permanent move to Sturm Graz this summer after a successful loan spell.

Mika Biereth celebrates winning the OFB Cup (Photo via Biereth on Instagram)
Mika Biereth celebrates winning the OFB Cup (Photo via Biereth on Instagram)

Speaking ahead of Sturm’s 2-1 victory over Altach, in which Biereth scored the opener, the young striker reflected on the perception that success often comes after leaving the Emirates.

“I heard you had to leave Arsenal to win trophies,” Biereth joked, addressing a common sentiment among some former players and pundits.

Only as a cook Biereth has no talent The SK Sturm welcomes Altach in the Bundesliga at 19.30 today. Record transfer Mika Biereth should provide the goals again. What makes the Dane so strong. Kleine Zeitung Steiermark24 Aug 2024 Vokuhila wig and glued–on upper lip beard - the appearance of Mika Biereth at the double celebration on Graz's main square will be remembered for a long time not only by fans of SK Sturm: "The celebration was legendary, but this is the exception. There are times when you can do something like that. This was the perfect time for that.“The Dane contributed to the success in the spring as an Arsenal loan with nine mandatory game goals and subsequently became the record transfer of the Grazers. Sturm transferred a reported 4.7 million euros to London ("That's why I'm not putting any pressure on myself. I don't look at numbers, only the performance on the pitch counts.“), in order to sign the 21-year-old until 2028. "He is very complete with his equipment, but still has development potential in all areas, which we want to bring to bear. But he's also great as a guy, is incredibly consistent and responsible. Mika can become a leading player“" enthuses coach Christian Ilzer. Biereth also feels comfortable under the Styrian coach: "Otherwise I wouldn't have stayed here. We are already doing a lot of work against the ball, but the further we win the ball in the opponent's half, the easier it is to score goals.“In four competitive matches, the son of a Bosnian and a Dane has already scored three times. Every time very late, namely in the 87th, 98th and in the 120th minute (cup extension). "This proves how fit we are as a team. We can go full throttle until the last minute, “ says the attacker. The right-footed player was born and raised in London and played at Chelsea for twelve weeks. "They saw me as a right-back. I didn't want to do that, that's why I went to Fulham, where I was allowed to play as a striker,“ says Biereth, who met his best friend at Chelsea – the current Bavarian star Jamal Musiala. "I'm with him
Kleine Zeitung Steiermark, 24 August 2024

Biereth’s journey at Arsenal saw him excel at on loan but never break into the first team.

Although he was named in senior matchday squads on four occasions, he never made a first-team appearance.

His breakthrough came on loan, where he impressed in Austria, helping Sturm Graz secure a domestic double last season.

After scoring nine goals in 22 matches during his loan stint, Sturm made him their record transfer this summer, paying a £4 million fee and signing him to a contract until 2028. The deal includes a sell-on clause, suggesting that Arsenal may yet benefit if Biereth continues to excel and earns a future move.

Reflecting on the move, Biereth emphasised the comfort and connection he felt at Sturm Graz: “Everyone saw how comfortable I felt here at the club and in the team during my loan. Added to that was the great sporting success with the double and qualification for the Champions League, which I am extremely excited about.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 11: Mika Biereth of Arsenal celebrates after he scores his teams second goal during the Papa John's Trophy match between Arsenal U21 and Chelsea U21 at Emirates Stadium on January 11, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 11: Mika Biereth of Arsenal celebrates after he scores his teams second goal during the Papa John’s Trophy match between Arsenal U21 and Chelsea U21 at Emirates Stadium on January 11, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

He also expressed his gratitude to the club’s sporting director, Andreas Schicker, and his eagerness to repay the trust placed in him.

Biereth’s progress did not go unnoticed by Arsenal’s hierarchy. Sporting director Edu acknowledged the striker’s development and the success of his loan spell: “This new opportunity with Sturm Graz is great for Mika, and it’s a good example of what a strong loan development plan produces. Mika will be playing Champions League football, which he deserves due to his mentality and performances in recent seasons.”

The decision to permanently move away from Arsenal wasn’t just about game time.

Biereth, who was raised in London and spent 12 weeks at Chelsea before joining Fulham, had his sights set on finding a project where he could grow both on and off the pitch.

Mika Biereth celebrates a goal for Motherwell (Photo via Motherwell on Twitter)
Mika Biereth celebrates a goal for Motherwell (Photo via Motherwell on Twitter)

His time in Austria proved to be transformative, with Biereth scoring 15 goals across two loan spells last season—nine for Sturm Graz and six during a short stint at Motherwell in the first half of the campaign.

Now a key player for Sturm, Biereth is eager to continue building on his impressive form.

In his first four matches this season, he has already scored three goals, including crucial late strikes. His consistency and relentless work rate have endeared him to Sturm fans and coach Christian Ilzer, who sees leadership potential in the young striker: “Mika can become a leading player. He’s very complete with his skillset but still has room for growth in all areas.”

Despite never making a first-team appearance for Arsenal, Biereth remains fond of his time in North London. Posting on Instagram after his transfer was confirmed, he wrote: “Once a gooner, always a gooner. Thank you for everything.”

As Biereth settles into life in Austria, Arsenal fans will be watching closely to see how the young striker develops.

His departure serves as a reminder that for some players, leaving the club can open doors to success that might not have been possible had they stayed.