'I left Arsenal and now play in the Champions League – but a return would be fantastic'

Mika Biereth only left Arsenal a matter of months ago, but the young striker is already eyeing up an Emirates Stadium return.

Biereth originally made his name in the Fulham academy, before penning a move to Arsenal as a teenager.

However, despite a string of impressive performances in the Gunners’ academy, Biereth never broke through into the first team, instead having to leave on loan to secure senior football.

A series of loans followed, including a stint at Scottish side Motherwell, before Biereth eventually found himself at Austrian side Sturm Graz.

His goals helped fire Sturm Graz to a league and cup double, which in turn gave them a qualification berth in this season’s Champions League.

But despite winning trophies and competing at Europe’s top table, Biereth has admitted he’d relish a return to Arsenal somewhere down the line.

Commenting on his future, Biereth said: “Things are going well in Sturm Graz.

“I have nothing to complain about right now. I play every week at a good level, and now we also play in the Champions League, where I’m still waiting for my first goal [in that competition].”

He added: “If I keep playing well and scoring goals, hopefully a change can come, but right now I’m focused on Sturm and on doing well and scoring goals,

“A return back to Arsenal would be fantastic, but it’s not something I’m focusing on right now.”

Biereth is right to be focusing on his football in Austria, given the Sturm Graz club-record signing has started the season on fire.

During his 13 appearances across all competitions, the 21-year-old has found the net eight times – scoring form that is likely to pique the interest of clubs across the continent.

He’s certainly made his impression since joining, with manager Christian Ilzer commenting earlier this year: “Mika is a guy who has certainly found his place in the group very quickly, who also felt at home.

“Mika has found his role in the dressing room but also on the pitch. All of us, the coaching staff, as well as the players, are very happy to have Mika with us.”

The London-born star will have yet more opportunities to dazzle on the biggest stage as Sturm Graz’s Champions League journey continues.

Ilzer’s side take on Sporting CP in their next outing, with tough tasks against Borussia Dortmund, Girona, Lille and Europa League champions Atalanta on the horizon.