Arsenal loanee explains why he was eager to leave the club permanently in January

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Arsenal starlet Mika Biereth has shone on loan this season, but with his future unclear, it has now emerged that he was eager to depart permanently in January.

The 21-year-old was recalled from his successful loan spell at Motherwell before joining Austrian side Sturm Graz on loan in the winter window, and he has continued to thrive there.

Biereth has scored 11 times in 22 games in all competitions across both his loan spells, and has previously highlighted how difficult it will be for him to break into an Arsenal side who could yet sign another striker.

His natural talent in front of goal makes him a huge asset, but it appears that he may not see a long-term future at the club.

Mika Biereth admits he wanted to leave Arsenal in January

In an interview with Inews, Biereth stated that when he first joined Sturm Graz, he was open to moving permanently rather than on another loan, but Arsenal refused to let this deal happen.

“He [Andreas Schicker, Sturm Graz’s sporting director] even said himself that they tried to do a permanent [transfer]. I was open to that as well but Arsenal weren’t looking to allow me to leave,” Biereth stated.

“The idea of settling down somewhere and not having to think about all the extra stuff of different houses, different places and different cars and all of that, it gets a bit boring after a while. Trying to find a home.

“It was kind of simple that I wasn’t for sale in January.”

Mika Biereth is facing a similar problem to Martin Odegaard

When Martin Odegaard was a prodigal young talent at Real Madrid, he was sent out on countless loans, where he often shone and started to develop well.

The constant upheaval was a problem for him though, and when the chance to join Arsenal permanently came, he took it to finally settle at one club.

Biereth faces a similar dilemma. He will want to play regularly, which will not come at Arsenal, and constantly moving around on further loans could be a frustration.

This will give Arsenal a decision to make, that they should either play or sell him, as further loans could do neither the club nor player any favours.

This is a crucial age for Biereth to finally settle and continue his development, and yet more varied loans next season may prove to be a hindrance in his progress.