“£4M Ex-Gunner Striker Outpacing Arsenal’s Forward”

In January 2024, Arsenal found themselves in a rough patch, with goals drying up during a crucial part of the season.

This period of poor form was likely a key factor in the club missing out on the league title.

Scoring just one goal in three games around the New Year, it was clear Arsenal needed a new striker to reignite their attack.

The Gunners explored their options, including Brentford’s Ivan Toney, who ultimately chose Saudi Arabia in the summer.

While RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko was another name linked with Arsenal, the young striker extended his contract in Germany, keeping him as a potential future target.

However, Arsenal’s search for a striker eased as Kai Havertz stepped up, proving to be more than capable in his new role.

Havertz’s Remarkable Form

Kai Havertz, Arsenal’s £65 million signing from Chelsea, has transformed his fortunes at the club.

Initially struggling, his first goal came in late September 2023, courtesy of a penalty during a 4-0 win against Bournemouth.

That goal opened the floodgates for Havertz, who has since become a vital player for the Gunners.

In the current campaign, the German forward has scored six goals in 10 games, equalling Robin van Persie’s feat of scoring in seven consecutive home matches.

With 12 goals and eight assists in 20 games, Havertz has averaged a goal involvement every 83 minutes, cementing his place as one of the best strikers in the Premier League.

While Havertz has been lighting up the Emirates, another former Arsenal striker, Mika Biereth, is making headlines elsewhere.

Mika Biereth’s Rise After Leaving Arsenal

Biereth, once a promising young talent in Arsenal’s academy, left the club after an impressive loan spell last season, which saw him score 15 goals across stints at Motherwell and Sturm Graz.

Despite his success, Arsenal opted to sell the London-born forward to Sturm Graz for £4 million, following a similar path to Folarin Balogun’s departure.

Since his move, the 21-year-old has flourished. Biereth has scored seven goals in nine league matches, one more than Havertz, and eight goals across 13 games in all competitions.

A standout moment came when Biereth netted a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over RB Salzburg, further boosting his growing reputation.

Described as a ‘Haaland-Kane hybrid’ due to his ability to score and link play, Biereth himself acknowledged similarities between his game and the two Premier League stars.

His knack for finding the back of the net and holding up play has made him a force in Austria, and it seems only a matter of time before he moves to one of Europe’s top leagues.

While Arsenal may not regret the sale, they have undoubtedly lost a unique talent.