Arsenal have been linked with several strikers ahead of the summer transfer window, but the solution may lie within the club.
Mikel Arteta wants to add another striker to his squad, but the strong form of Kai Havertz has meant that a forward could be targeted to replace Eddie Nketiah as a bench option.
Nketiah no longer appears to be trusted by Arteta, and has been linked with several clubs as a move looks inevitable.
Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee are among the names linked as a centre-forward, in addition to more proven options such as Alexander Isak.
However, Arsenal already have a top young striker in their ranks, who is now a title winner, in Mika Biereth.
Arsenal starlet Mika Biereth has made history at Sturm Graz
Biereth impressed on loan at Motherwell in the first half of the season, meaning that Arsenal recalled him before sending him to Austrian side Sturm Graz.
He continued to thrive, as he recorded nine goals and four assists in 22 appearances, and his side made history as they recorded a famous league and cup double. They ended RB Salzburg’s 10-year streak of winning the title every year, and they beat Rapid Vienna in the Austrian Cup final.
This makes Biereth a title winner, a label not many can claim within the Arsenal squad, and perhaps Arteta should use pre-season to see if he is a worthy candidate to replace Nketiah.
What is Mika Biereth’s style of play?
Biereth has previously compared himself to Arsenal nemesis Harry Kane, as a physical forward who can provide goals and assists.
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“I’ve said before if I can compare myself to another player I’d say a sh*t [Erling] Haaland and a sh*t [Harry] Kane! A hybrid of them at a much worse level,” he told INews in recent months.
At 1.87m tall, Biereth is someone who can provide aerial threat, as well as strong technical ability.
In addition to his goals, Biereth has also admitted that he is someone who drops deeper to contribute in build-up play.
“There are different aspects of the game when scoring goals isn’t possible when the ball is deep so then it’s about combining, linking the play, holding the ball up like Kane does. Those are the two different variables on the pitch,” he added.
It remains to be seen whether Biereth will be given a chance, but if he does impress in pre-season, he may be trusted as a serious striker option.