AS Monaco are hesitating on the signing of former Arsenal striker Mika Biereth over Sturm Graz’s asking price, according to a report.
AS Monaco are in the market for a striker this month, given the recent injury to former Arsenal academy forward Folarin Balogun. The expectation is that Balogun will miss around four months after shoulder surgery.
Funnily enough, Monaco have moved from one ex-Arsenal academy player to another, with reports suggesting the club have agreed personal terms with Mika Biereth.
Biereth only left Arsenal for Sturm Graz in the summer, and another transfer would mean more money in the bank for the Gunners. The club included a sell-on clause, so a cut of any sale to Monaco would be forwarded to north London.
Yet there’s still a chance Biereth will remain where he is. Foot Mercato report that though discussions are “going well” between Monaco and Sturm, it’s looking like a very costly operation for the Ligue 1 club.
Sturm want €20m (£16.6m), which Monaco view as a bit too high. The club are looking at other options, including Tolu Arokodare of Genk.
Foot Mercato suggest Biereth is still a “serious lead” and that Monaco are “ready to jump at the opportunity”. But if the current valuation stand-off continues, perhaps Monaco will move on.
With another six matches to play before the January window closes, the delay to sign a replacement for Balogun could continue to cost the team on the pitch.
Biereth has a contract with Sturm until 2028, and he’s scored 14 goals in 25 appearances this season, including two in the Champions League.
Sturm are on their winter break, so Biereth won’t be able to add to that tally in a competitive fixture until the Champions League returns on January 21st.
Related Posts
