Arsenal have stepped up their pursuit of one of Georgia’s brightest young talents, with Andria Bartishvili emerging as a potential long-term addition to the club’s attacking ranks.

The 17-year-old Georgia Under-21 international has attracted significant attention after breaking into senior football at an unusually young age. Arsenal submitted a formal pre-contract offer, although the agreement has not yet been officially confirmed, it is a done deal. Liverpool and Juventus were also understood to have shown interest.

Who is Andria Bartishvilli?

Born in Tbilisi on March 30, 2009, Bartishvili came through the prestigious Dinamo Tbilisi academy before moving to Kolkheti 1913. He made his senior debut in April 2025, aged just 16 years and two days, becoming one of the youngest players to appear in the Georgian top flight. He is currently on loan at Iberia 1999, where he has gained valuable senior and European experience.

Bartishvili primarily operates as an attacking midfielder, but his versatility allows him to play from wide areas. He is regarded for his close control, dribbling, creativity and ability to operate between the lines. UEFA currently lists him as a midfielder for Iberia, where he wears the No. 11 shirt.

His rise has also been rapid at international level. Bartishvili has represented Georgia at U16, U17, U19 and U21 levels, despite still being only 17. He particularly caught attention in 2025 after scoring twice for Georgia U17 against Kazakhstan, performances that fuelled comparisons with compatriot Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

The Kvaratskhelia comparison is especially intriguing for Arsenal because Maurizio Micheli, Andrea Berta’s assistant, is reportedly involved in the pursuit. Micheli previously worked at Napoli and was credited with helping identify Kvaratskhelia before his emergence as a global star.

Andria Bartishvilli to join Arsenal in 2027

As per Fabrizio Romano, Bartishvili has joined the Gunners on a €4.5m deal, and will join the club next year after turning 18. As Arsenal can win the race, they would be betting on a teenager who could potentially become Georgia’s next major attacking star.