Sheffield Wednesday to battle Champions League club for Arsenal forward

As part of their summer transfer plan, Sheffield Wednesday has stepped up their efforts to sign Arsenal’s promising young forward Mika Biereth, according to sources who spoke to The Star.

In January, the Owls had their eye on Biereth, a Danish youth international who was born in London. They were unsuccessful in acquiring the striker, though, as Arsenal sent him to the Austrian team Sturm Graz following a loan stint at Motherwell.

The Gunners terminated Biereth’s Motherwell tenure in order to provide him with an alternative developmental opportunity. At first, Wednesday had high hopes for landing him on a loan during the winter transfer window.

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Sheffield Wednesday’s interest in the 20-year-old has only grown after his stellar tenure in Austria. In 22 games for Sturm Graz, Biereth scored nine goals and contributed four assists. He has three goals in four games in the Europa Conference League, which was a standout performance. His efforts were crucial to Sturm Graz’s post-season run for the Austrian Cup and the Austrian Bundesliga Championship.

Biereth was a constant in Sturm Graz’s starting lineup, and the Austrian team is eager to sign him for a second season-long loan given the additional allure of playing in the Champions League. Nevertheless, Sheffield Wednesday and a number of other teams from the UK and Europe will provide fierce opposition for them.

For Wednesday, a convincing Arsenal Biereth will need to weigh the benefits of a Championship season under manager Danny Röhl’s tutelage. The teenage forward, who came to Arsenal from Fulham in 2021, has a deal with the Gunners that expires next summer, but given his good play, an extension may be in the works.

Sheffield Wednesday wants to bring back Ike Ugbo, who had a good loan at Hillsborough last season, in addition to their interest in Biereth. Although talks have started, it is anticipated that a deal with Ugbo won’t be finalized until after he competes in the Copa America next month. It’s probable that Ugbo’s signature will come with competition for the Owls as well.