Mika Biereth has admitted he “could’ve played for Arsenal” last season when Kai Havertz was sidelined, but insists he has no regrets after leaving the Emirates permanently. Now thriving at Monaco, the Danish striker is proving himself one of Europe’s most prolific young forwards.
The 22-year-old joined Arsenal from Fulham’s youth ranks in 2021 but never broke into the first team, spending spells on loan at RKC Waalwijk, Motherwell and Sturm Graz. After excelling in Austria, Sturm signed him permanently in 2024 for €9m — only to sell him six months later to Monaco for €13m.
Biereth has exploded in Ligue 1, scoring 13 goals in 22 appearances so far, including a record-breaking run of 12 goals in his first 10 games. While Arsenal eventually splashed big money on Viktor Gyökeres this summer, Biereth is quietly building his own reputation in France.
Biereth on Arsenal and Havertz
In an interview with Tipsbladet, Biereth acknowledged Arsenal’s lack of strikers last season and pointed to Havertz’s absence as a possible opening:
“I know that Kai Havertz was injured, and if I had still been there, I could have played for Arsenal. But that’s not how it works properly, and I’m very happy to be in Monaco and score some goals there.” — Mika Biereth, via Tipsbladet
He added that the Premier League is not his obsession:
“For me, the Premier League is not the most important thing… it’s also great to play for top clubs in Europe.”
Monaco’s New Star
Since arriving in January, Biereth has wasted no time making his mark in Ligue 1. His movement, pressing, and clinical finishing have seen him become one of the hottest strikers in Europe.
While Arsenal fans debate what might have been, Monaco appear to have secured a bargain at €13m for a player who is already valued far higher.
Mika Biereth Stats Snapshot (2024/25 Season)
| Stat (2024/25) | Mika Biereth |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 44 |
| Goals | 27 |
| Assists | 8 |
| Goals in Ligue 1 (first 10 games) | 12 |
source: sofascore match data – 2 September 2025
His form raised eyebrows back in north London, where Arsenal endured long spells without a recognised striker.
Analyst Verdict — John William
Biereth’s comments reflect both honesty and ambition. He knows opportunities might have come at Arsenal, but his decision to step away has unlocked his potential elsewhere. His Monaco spell shows the benefit of playing consistently at a high level rather than waiting in the shadows.
For Arsenal, it’s another reminder of how timing defines careers. The Gunners may not regret cashing in, but Biereth’s trajectory suggests they lost a natural finisher just when they needed one.
Key Insights
- Biereth says Havertz’s injury could have opened Arsenal minutes.
- Left Emirates permanently in January after loans abroad.
- Joined Monaco for €13m and has 13 goals in 22 Ligue 1 games.
- Insists Premier League not his only ambition, happy in Europe.
- Arsenal instead invested in Viktor Gyökeres this summer.
What’s Next for Biereth and Monaco?
Biereth looks set to lead Monaco’s attack in both Ligue 1 and Europe this season. If his form continues, Chelsea and other Premier League sides could circle — but for now, he insists he is content in France.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will hope Gyökeres delivers what Biereth is now showing in Ligue 1. The question remains whether they missed out on a striker already in their own ranks.
Will Mika Biereth become one of Europe’s next elite strikers — and leave Arsenal with regrets about letting him go?
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