SK Sturm Graz’s talks with Arsenal over striker Mika Biereth are in full swing, with director of football Andreas Schicker determined to get a deal done.
That’s according to Kronen Zeitung, who report that while Sturm Graz’s players are on holiday until June 21st, Schicker is already at work to strengthen the squad.
Talks with Arsenal over Biereth are ‘in full swing’ after the club initially opened talks with the Gunners in March over the loanee.
They made it clear that they wanted the striker, who spent last season on loan in Austria and managed 15 goals and nine assists in 37 games, on a permanent basis but Arsenal declined to discuss the matter.
They’re instead planning on taking Biereth on their US tour, but Schicker is ‘persistent’ and has now made a new attempt to bring him back to the club.
“Now the European Championship finals are coming up, everyone is waiting and is in the role of observer. Patience is required in the transfer window this year,” he said.
“I’m in talks with Arsenal. I’ve spoken to Mika; he’s always felt comfortable with us.”
There is increasing competition for the striker’s signature as Sheffield Wednesday are also keen, but Sturm Graz have a trump card in that they can offer Champions League football.
That helps them considerably, as does the fact Biereth is in the final year of his contract with Arsenal and is yet to receive a ‘professional salary’ in London.
Sturm Graz see him as a ‘manageable’ signing, at least financially, and are now pushing Arsenal to talk seriously with them, even if the Gunners have so far resisted.
