Mika Biereth has once again shown Arsenal what they are missing after becoming the first player in 70 years to score three Ligue 1 hat-tricks in his first seven games. The 22-year-old notched his tenth French top-flight goal this season after joining AS Monaco during January's transfer window, helping his team secure a decisive 3-0 victory over Reims on February 28, 2025.
Having originally come through Arsenal's Hale End academy, Biereth was sold to Sturm Graz for just £4 million last summer. Following his impressive stint with the Austrian side, where he scored 14 goals from 25 games, AS Monaco acquired him for £10.7 million, and he has made this investment look like a significant bargain.
His latest triumph against Reims only adds to his growing reputation. With hat-tricks previously against Auxerre on February 1 and Nantes on February 15, Biereth’s ability to score three goals within such a short frame has marked him as the talk of Ligue 1. The Danish striker opened the scoring against Reims after 34 minutes, tapping home from Caio Henrique's cross. He doubled the lead just five minutes later with a precise volley before he sealed his hat trick with another simple finish.
Scoring ten league goals already this season, Biereth is outperforming notable football stars like Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe. No player has registered more league goals than Biereth across Europe’s top five leagues this year, placing him at the top of the scoring chart.
“His stunning form may have Arsenal ruing their decision to part ways with Biereth with the club without a recognised centre-forward currently,” noted TalkSport, reflecting on Arsenal’s regrettable decision to let go of the young talent. The Gunners are currently grappling with injuries to key forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, leaving their offensive line considerably weakened.
Despite being sold to Sturm Graz, Biereth’s rapid progress led to Monaco’s interest, and his scoring prowess has been evident as he continues his blistering start. He has already scored more than several prominent strikers including Haaland, Kane, and Cristiano Ronaldo, all of whom have only found the back of the net nine times this season.
With ten goals to his name as of now, Biereth’s tally puts him level with Salah on ten goals across all competitions. The striker's effective performance can be attributed not only to his ability to find the net but also to his overall contributions during matches, as he has also provided two assists since joining Monaco.
With this recent victory, Monaco rose to fourth place in the highly competitive Ligue 1, tying on points with Nice, the team currently occupying third place. The continuing struggles of Reims, who remain precariously positioned just above the relegation zone, made the outcome all the more disappointing for their fans.
Arsenal resting their hopes on midfielder Mikel Merino to lead their line reflects their current problems. They have seen their Premier League title challenge all but evaporate due to insufficient firepower, trailing leaders Liverpool by 13 points as their offensive crisis deepens due to injuries.
Biereth will be expected to continue his remarkable hot streak as Monaco prepares for its next Ligue 1 clash with Toulouse. Observers will be watching closely as he seeks to add to his rapidly growing tally and restore hope for fans mesmerized by his electrifying play.
Described as “the striker Arsenal needs,” Biereth’s historic performances may cement his status as one of the most exciting talents currently showcasing his skills on the European stage. His impact on French football signals not only his readiness to shine but also raises questions surrounding Arsenal's decision to let such potential slip through their fingers.