Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign 17-year-old Georgian midfielder Andria Bartishvili, with the teenager set to join the club in 2027 once he turns 18.
The Gunners will pay FC Kolkheti Poti £4.5 million (€4.5m) for the attacking midfielder, who has been dubbed the “next Khvicha Kvaratskhelia” due to his explosive dribbling and creative flair.
Bartishvili, who turns 18 on March 30, 2027, will officially join Arsenal after that date and sign a five-year contract. He is currently on loan at Iberia 1999 in the Georgian top flight and will remain there until the end of 2026. The teenager is set to undergo a medical in London next week before finalising the long-term deal.
Arsenal’s move for Bartishvili has been driven by sporting director Andrea Berta’s assistant, Maurizio Micheli, who previously discovered Kvaratskhelia during his time as chief scout at Napoli. Micheli’s keen eye for Georgian talent has now identified Bartishvili as a player with similar attributes.
ALSO READ:
- Martin Odegaard signs new Arsenal contract until 2028
- Arteta ‘extremely proud’ as Spaniard signs new Arsenal contract
- Chelsea vs Arsenal Preview: Prediction, time, team news and H2H
The 17-year-old has already made a name for himself in Georgian football. He has been capped at various youth levels, including the U17, U19, and U21 national teams. Despite his age, he has built senior experience, making 35 appearances, scoring two goals, and providing three assists. He helped Iberia 1999 finish second in the Georgian top flight, missing out on the title by just one point.
Bartishvili has drawn comparisons not only to Kvaratskhelia but also to Alexis Sánchez due to his explosive dribbling, close control, and ability to beat defenders in wide areas. His low centre of gravity and quick changes of direction make him a dangerous threat in one-on-one situations.
Bartishvili will require the necessary international clearance to complete his move to Arsenal. The club views him as a long-term project who will develop within the academy structure before pushing toward first-team contention.
🔍 Explore More
- NRTC English Knowledge Base – Learn, improve, and sharpen your English skills.
- Top Stories From Around the World – Stay informed with the latest global news and insights.
- Specially Curated Listicles – Discover interesting lists, guides, and deep dives selected for our readers.
- Stay Updated: Join our mailing list and never miss the latest articles and updates from NRTC.
