Arsenal given transfer cash boost thanks to ‘excellent’ striker who has never played for the club

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Arsenal’s January transfer window has been disappointing thus far, although a late move for an attacker could still be on the cards.

The Gunners are in dire need of offensive reinforcements, with both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus ruled out for several months.

Benjamin Sesko continues to be linked with Arsenal, but RB Leipzig’s purported £67 million asking price could deter the North Londoners.

Having spent in excess of £200 million in the summer of 2023 on the likes of Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber, it appears that finances may now be somewhat restricted.

However, one transfer that has materialised this month could alleviate this issue to an extent.

Arsenal have made money from Mika Biereth’s move to Monaco

Given how difficult the January transfer window can be to operate in, any marginal gain could help Arsenal significantly in their pursuit of a forward.

Arsenal included a sell-on clause in Mika Biereth’s move to Sturm Graz last summer, and they have now reaped the rewards for this forward-thinking deal.

According to the Athletic, the Gunners have recouped around £2 million in Bireth’s £10.8 million switch to Monaco.

The former Hale End man had scored 14 goals in 25 appearances this season for Strum Graz, earning him a move to Ligue 1.

He joins former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun at the French club, and will replace the American, who is out for several months with a shoulder injury, for the time being.

While a minor economic victory, the £2 million garnered in this deal can be added to Arsenal’s forward fund, or be reinvested in wages for any incoming player.

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Biereth could have been an option for Arsenal

Arsenal will happily take the additional revenue made from Biereth’s move, although there may be a part of Mikel Arteta that wishes he had the Dane at his disposal.

Jesus will miss the rest of the season after suffering an ACL injury, leaving just Havertz as the only senior striker at the club.

While a number nine could yet be added to Arteta’s ranks, having Biereth available could’ve made a major difference.

The 21-year-old is untested at the highest level, but has demonstrated an aptitude for scoring goals in the last few seasons. He was described as ‘excellent’ by his former manager at Motherwell, Stuart Kettlewell (via Glasgow Times).

His presence in Arteta’s squad would’ve enabled the Spaniard to rest an exhausted Havertz at points this term, and the prospect may even have developed into a serious long-term option at the Emirates, capable of displacing the German.