Arsenal eye future star as new ‘Kvaratskhelia’ signs pre‑contract

The Premier League champions Arsenal have reached a pre‑contract agreement with FC Kolkheti 1913 to sign 17‑year‑old forward Andria Bartishvili, with reports of a fee of either around £3.9 million or €4.5 million, and he will join in July 2027 when he turns 18.

Bartishvili is a versatile Player who can operate on either wing or through the centre, has earned two caps for the Georgia U21 side and was named U17 Player of the Year in the Georgian top flight for 2025 during his second season at Kolkheti.

Italian agent Cristian Zaccardo, who helped bring Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Napoli, spotted Bartishvili and praised his potential, while Maurizio Micheli – the assistant to sporting director Andrea Berta – played a key role in the scouting process, having previously discovered Kvaratskhelia when he was chief scout at Napoli.

What the signing means for Arsenal

The Gunners are continuing a strategy of securing young, high‑potential talent for the Academy, a policy reflected in recent signings such as Mylo Bernard, and Bartishvili could be integrated into the youth set‑up before challenging for first‑team minutes in the 2027/28 season.

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Financially, the deal represents a long‑term investment – reports cite a fee of £3.9 million or €4.5 million and a five‑season contract – signalling Arsenal’s willingness to spend on future stars rather than immediate marquee signings.

What lies ahead for Bartishvili

Currently on loan at Iberia 1999, Bartishvili has contributed two goals and three assists in 24 matches for the Georgian first‑division side and may remain there or be loaned elsewhere before his July 2027 move to London.

Internationally he has already netted seven goals in 15 U17 games and added two appearances for the Georgia U21 team; Ramaz Svanadze, coach of the U21s, highlighted his rare dribbling ability, likening him to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and noting the significance ahead of the Em and Na competitions.

Arsenal sit second in the Premier League with nine points from three games and will face Sunderland in their next league fixture, underscoring the club’s ambition as they plan for both present challenges and future growth.