Arsenal chase Georgian prodigy as London awaits Bartishvili

Arsenal have secured a deal for 17‑year‑old Georgian midfielder Andria Bartishvili, who will travel to London to complete a five‑year contract that begins in 2027. The teenager, already tipped as a future star, is set to join the Premier League champions after a medical in the capital, with the transfer fee reported at €4.5m.

Bartishvili is currently on loan at Erovnuli Liga side Iberia 1999, having moved from Kolkheti 1913 earlier this season. (Picture: Getty) His performances in Georgia’s top flight have drawn attention from scouts across Europe. His loan spell provides regular first‑team minutes, crucial for his development ahead of the Premier League.

Despite being only 17, the midfielder has already earned two caps for Georgia’s Under‑21 side. Coaches and analysts describe him as one of the brightest Georgian talents of his generation. The Georgia under‑21 coach Willy Sagnol praised his technical ability and mental attitude.

Arsenal’s recruitment drive

Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta and assistant Maurizio Micheli led the negotiations, with Micheli recalling his earlier discovery of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia while at Napoli. Their involvement underlines the club’s intent to secure another breakthrough from the region. Sagnol himself highlighted that technique alone is insufficient without the right mindset, citing Kvaratskhelia as a model.

Arsenal aims to poach BVB's target Josh King from Premier League

Liverpool and Juventus were also linked with the teenager before Arsenal moved in, highlighting the competition for his signature across Europe. Get ahead of the start of the season, the Gunners have already sealed the deal. The competition underscored Arsenal’s reputation for spotting emerging talent in less‑exposed markets.

The player posted a thank‑you message on Instagram, writing, “A very big thank you to everyone for the congratulations.” Geo Team amplified the post, noting that ANDRIA’s gratitude resonated with fans. Fans responded with a flood of messages, reinforcing the excitement surrounding his arrival.

Deal specifics

The transfer fee is reported at €4.5m, and BARTISHVILI will sign a five‑year deal with ARSENAL, joining in LONDON when he turns 18 in March 2027. He is scheduled to undergo his medical in London before finalising the contract, having boarded a flight to the capital just hours after confirming the move. The medical appointment is expected to be completed within the next few days, after which the contract will be signed.

Arsenal chase as Liverpool and Real Madrid target €25m midfielder

Alongside Bartishvili, Igor Tyjon, Vincent Joseph, Axel Donczew, Elijah Upson and Mylo Bernard have also agreed terms to join the Arsenal academy this summer, further bolstering the club’s youth pipeline.