Arsenal make pre-contract offer to sign winger compared to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Arsenal have made a pre-contract offer for highly-rated Georgian youngster Andria Bartishvili as the club continue their drive to recruit some of Europe’s brightest emerging talents.
The 17-year-old belongs to FC Kolkheti 1913 but is currently on loan at Iberia 1999, and Arsenal want to secure an agreement ahead of the expiration of his contract later this year.
According to BBC Sport, the Gunners have accelerated negotiations, although Bartishvili has yet to decide his future amid reported interest from Liverpool and Juventus.
The Georgia Under-21 international has already gained considerable senior experience despite his age, having made his Erovnuli Liga debut at just 16 years and two days in April 2025.
Bartishvili subsequently joined Iberia on loan and has continued his development while competing domestically and in European qualifying matches.
His performances for Georgia’s youth sides have generated even greater attention, particularly after he scored twice during an impressive Under-17 display against Kazakhstan last year.
That performance prompted Christian Zaccardo, the former Italy international and agent who previously recommended Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Napoli, to highlight Bartishvili as another outstanding Georgian prospect.
“Recently, a lot of talented players have appeared in Georgia, one of such players is Andria Bartishvili,” Zaccardo told Sky Calcio. “This 16-year-old attacking midfielder has the potential to become a great player.”
Bartishvili’s technical qualities have subsequently led observers to compare him with Kvaratskhelia, who developed into a global star with Napoli before joining Paris Saint-Germain.
Talent scout Franco Diruscio has also highlighted the similarities, describing Bartishvili as an “explosive, agile” attacker possessing an “electric, unpredictable dribbling style”, while noting that those characteristics inevitably invite comparisons with his compatriot.
Arsenal’s interest has another intriguing connection to Kvaratskhelia because their pursuit is reportedly being driven by Maurizio Micheli, assistant to sporting director Andrea Berta.
Micheli previously served as Napoli’s chief scout and played an important role in identifying Kvaratskhelia before his move to Serie A.
Bartishvili can operate as an attacking midfielder or from either flank, with his close control, ability on both feet and willingness to carry possession among his most highly regarded attributes.
Arsenal’s move comes amid a broader push to strengthen their academy by identifying players with significant first-team potential before their valuations increase.
The Gunners have recently pursued several highly-rated teenagers, including Vincent Joseph, Axel Donczew and Mylo Bernard, while also targeting Manchester United pair Habeeb Ogunneye and James Scanlon.
Bartishvili would still require the appropriate international clearance before completing any move to England, while Arsenal must first convince the teenager that his development is best served in north London.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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