Mikel Arteta sanctioned some notable exits from Arsenal in the summer transfer window of 2024.
Very few expected to see Emile Smith Rowe leave Arsenal to join Fulham, with the Hale End graduate going from hero to zero under Arteta.
Fortunately, Smith Rowe is now thriving at Fulham after reviving his Premier League career, although seeing some other former Gunners reach new heights is more painful.
Whilst Arteta cried out for a striker in January, over in Ligue 1, AS Monaco secured the signing of Mika Biereth, a player sold by the Arsenal manager less than a year prior.
High praise for Mika Biereth from AS Monaco manager Adi Hutter
Biereth has earned headlines in France for his blistering start to life at Monaco, scoring 12 goals in his first 10 Ligue 1 appearances for his new club.
Having spent three years at Hale End, Arsenal had a tough decision to make with Biereth in the summer of 2024, deciding to sell the forward to Sturm Graz permanently.
Since then, it’s become clear that the Gunners let go of an insatiable talent, teaching Arteta a lesson.
Speaking after Monaco’s win against Nice, Biereth’s manager Adi Hutter highlighted what makes the former Arsenal starlet so special.
“It’s in his mentality and character; he never gives up and always fights for the team,” Hutter said, via Monaco’s official website.
What came next from the Monaco manager will only remind Arteta of what could’ve been, as Biereth was praised for doing something Arsenal struggle with.
“Playing against a team like Nice is not always easy because they are solid defensively.
“This goal is very important for him. He has scored 12 goals since he arrived, it’s fantastic!”
Arsenal transfer mistake with Biereth is painfully clear
Due to a lack of creativity fused with a lack of number nine presence, Arsenal have struggled to break down defensively strong teams this season.
Hutter identified the above being a strength of Biereth, who was able to get the better of Nice by making the most out of his chance on goal.
In the case of Biereth, and many before him, hindsight is a beautiful thing, with his form being a revelation after a situation Arsenal were unable to manipulate.
Biereth wanted to leave Arsenal to seek a new challenge elsewhere, with Arteta opening the door for the 22-year-old to depart and fulfill his wishes.
With such a remarkable scoring record to start his career in Monaco, only time will tell just how much the Gunners come to rue the transfer in the future.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
