Sturm Graz have completed the signing of Mika Biereth from Arsenal for a club-record fee of PS4 million.

The Denmark under-21 international returns to the Merkur Arena following a successful six-month loan spell during which he scored nine goals to help Sturm to a league and cup double.

When Biereth arrived in January, Sporting Director Andreas Schicker revealed he'd been tracking the striker's progress for quite some time.

It appears that dedication to the cause has paid long-term dividends, the Austrian club faced stiff competition to sign the striker - Club Brugge were rumoured to be interested along with a host of Championship clubs - but they got their man in the end, stretching their budget to do so.

In his first interview, Biereth said: "I think everyone has seen how comfortable I felt during my loan here in the club and in the team.

"In addition, there was the great sporting success with the double and the qualification for the Champions League, which I am extremely looking forward to.

"I would like to thank Andreas Schicker for making such an effort for me and am extremely looking forward to hopefully repaying this trust and achieving our goals together with the team. Let's go Schwoaze, I'm really happy to be back in Graz!"

As has become a trend in recent years, Arsenal have also negotiated a sell-on clause in the deal meaning they stand to gain a few more quid should Biereth earn a future move.

After selling Folarin Balogun to Monaco following his loan spell last summer, it's good to see the club repeating the process. Even if academy prospects can't see a clear pathway into Mikel Arteta's first team, it's important they know other attractive options are available.