Sturm Graz sporting director Andreas Schicker has revealed the club would like to keep hold of Arsenal loan star Mika Biereth, but is unsure if it is possible.
The Austrian side managed to land Biereth from Arsenal on loan until the end of the season in the winter transfer window.
Biereth has wasted no time in making an impact at Sturm Graz, grabbing four goals in eight Austrian Bundesliga games and striking in the Austrian Cup – and the Austrians are delighted with him.
Schicker admits that Sturm Graz tried to convince Arsenal to put an option to buy in the loan agreement, but the Gunners refused.
Sturm Graz remain keen to keep hold of Biereth for longer, however the sporting director concedes he does not know if that will be possible.
“In January, we tried to include a purchase option in the loan agreement, but Arsenal wouldn’t agree to that”, Schicker told Danish outlet Bold.
“Arsenal are following Mika very closely and their loan manager is coming to Graz soon to talk about Mika’s future.
“Of course we want to keep Mika here in Graz for a longer period of time, but we know this will be difficult to realise.
“I am speaking to Mika’s entourage and Arsenal and then we will see what the future holds.”
Arsenal could be happy to leave the attacker at Sturm Graz for another season, especially as the Austrian outfit look set to have European football on the agenda next term.
