Arsenal have moved to secure the services of Georgian teenager Andria Bartishvili, with the young forward travelling to London to undergo a medical ahead of completing his transfer to the Premier League champions.
According to reports on Wednesday, Bartishvili made his way to the English capital to finalise the paperwork on a deal that will see him join Arsenal's ranks once he turns 18. The forward himself hinted at the move, reposting a story from journalist Fabrizio Romano confirming his journey to London for the medical examination.
Given that Bartishvili was born on March 30, 2009, he will not officially be able to complete the switch to the Emirates Stadium until his 18th birthday in 2027. In the meantime, the youngster has agreed a pre-contract arrangement with Arsenal, effectively tying down one of Georgian football's most promising talents well in advance of his legal eligibility to sign.
Bartishvili currently plies his trade for Iberia 1999 in the Erovnuli Liga, Georgia's top domestic division, where he is on loan from parent club Kolkheti 1913. He came through the youth ranks at Dinamo Tbilisi before beginning his senior career.
The attacker has already made history at a remarkably young age. In April 2025, he became the youngest player to feature in the Erovnuli Liga that season, appearing for Kolkheti 1913 against Samgurali at just 16 years and two days old. He later found the net for the first time at senior level while on loan at Iberia, scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over Gagra in May.
It is on the international stage, however, where Bartishvili has drawn the most attention. Representing Georgia's Under-17s side against Kazakhstan in Qabala, Azerbaijan, last June, he delivered a standout individual performance, scoring twice in what proved to be a breakthrough display.
That outing prompted comparisons to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Georgian star who has established himself as one of the finest attackers in world football since departing Napoli for Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain. The parallels were drawn by Italian agent Christian Dzaccardo, who has a personal connection to Kvaratskhelia's rise, having recommended him to Napoli after watching him play in Georgia.
"Recently, a lot of talented players have appeared in Georgia, one of such players is Andria Bartishvili," Dzaccardo told Sky Calcio. "This 16-year-old attacking midfielder has the potential to become a great player."
Dzaccardo elaborated on his history spotting Kvaratskhelia before offering further insight into the comparison. "I saw Khvicha Kvaratskhelia play two years before he moved to Napoli, he was already a phenomenal player. I met him and then recommended him to Napoli," he said.
He also referenced another rising talent with ties to the Kvaratskhelia family. "[Kvaratskhelia's] brother Tornike was born in 2010 and has similar playing skills to Khvicha. He also plays on the left wing, has good dribbling and shooting," Dzaccardo added.
For now, Bartishvili will continue to develop his game in Georgian football, gaining experience with Iberia 1999 before eventually making the move to north London once he comes of age. Arsenal, who have built a reputation under recent recruitment strategies for identifying young talent early, appear to be positioning themselves to secure another gifted prospect from a country that has already produced one of the sport's most exciting modern wingers.
Based on reporting from Standard (football).