Arsenal set to complete transfer beyond deadline as attacker jets in for medical
Georgian wonderkid Andria Bartishvili is set to join Arsenal
Georgian wonderkid Andria Bartishvili is on his way to London to sign for Arsenal, despite the summer transfer window closing.
The Gunners are understood to have pipped the likes of Liverpool, Juventus and Paris FC to the highly-rated 17-year-old, who has drawn comparisons to PSG superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Bartishvili currently plays for Georgian outfit Iberia 1999, on loan from Kolkheti 1913 but he's set to join Arsenal - providing there are no late hitches - after he turns 18 in March.
A deal is now in place for the talented prospect and the agreement was driven by Andrea Berta’s trusted assistant Maurizio Micheli, who made extensive scouting checks on the exciting teenager.
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Georgian social media account @Geo__team have posted exclusive pictures of Bartishvili travelling to London to undergo his medical tests with the Premier League champions.
Because the transfer is lined up for 2027, the formalities can still be completed beyond yesterday evening's deadline. Arsenal have gone big on youth recruitment this year as they look to bolster their academy set-up with a host of prodigies from across the globe.
Igor Tyjon from Blackburn has finally arrived from Blackburn Rovers following failed bids in January while midfielder Axel Donczew has joined from Cardiff City.
Elijah Upson, the son of former Arsenal defender Matthew, was snapped up following his departure from Tottenham while Vincent Joseph and Mylo Bernard were landed from Liverpool and Crystal Palace, respectively.
Ecuadorian attackers Holger and Edwin Quintero will arrive in 2027 too and they've already visited north London to participate in training sessions at London Colney.
Republic of Ireland youth international midfielder Victor Ozhianvuna will join in January from Shamrock Rovers, but there is huge excitement about Bartishvili in particular.
Gunners chief Michelli has also been credited for his role in unearthing Kvaratskhelia in his previous role at Napoli, so he has a hawk eye for talent and knows what it takes to spot a gem.
Bartishvili recently helped his current club Iberia 1999 become the first-ever Georgian club to reach the Conference League league phase despite being eliminated from Champions League qualifying and the Europa League play-off round.
He will initially join the club's youth set-up but is expected to be involved in first-team training sessions at Arsenal, with scope for him to kick on and become part of Mikel Arteta's squad.
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