PRESTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 29: Danny Rohl, Manager of Sheffield Wednesday, celebrates towards the fans following the teams victory after the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Sheffield Wednesday at Deepdale on December 29, 2023 in Preston, England. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)
Sheffield Wednesday to battle Champions League club for Arsenal forward
Championship club Sheffield Wednesday have rekindled interest in Arsenal striker despite interest from a Champions League club
Sheffield Wednesday have renewed their pursuit of Arsenal promising young forward Mika Biereth as part of their summer transfer strategy, according to sources from The Star.
Biereth, a London-born Danish youth international, was on the Owls’ radar in January. However, they missed out on the striker, who was redirected from a loan spell at Motherwell to Austrian club Sturm Graz by Arsenal.
The Gunners sought a different developmental experience for Biereth, cutting his Motherwell stint short. Initially, Wednesday were optimistic about securing his loan deal during the winter transfer window.
The 20-year-old’s impressive tenure in Austria has only intensified Sheffield Wednesday’s interest. Biereth netted nine goals and provided four assists in 22 appearances for Sturm Graz, with notable performances in the Europa Conference League where he scored three goals in four matches. His contributions were pivotal in Sturm Graz’s post-season push for the Austrian Bundesliga Championship and their Austrian Cup triumph.
Biereth was a mainstay in Sturm Graz’s lineup, and with the added lure of potential Champions League football, the Austrian club are keen to secure him for another season-long loan. However, they will face stiff competition from Sheffield Wednesday and several other clubs across the UK and Europe.
For Wednesday, convincing Arsenal of the merits of a Championship season under manager Danny Röhl’s guidance for Biereth will be crucial. The young forward, who joined Arsenal from Fulham in 2021, is contracted with the Gunners until next summer, though an extension could be on the horizon given his recent form.
In addition to their interest in Biereth, Sheffield Wednesday are also looking to bring back Ike Ugbo, who had a successful loan spell at Hillsborough last season. Negotiations have begun, but any deal for Ugbo is expected to be delayed until after his participation in the Copa America next month. The Owls will likely face competition for Ugbo’s signature as well.
