Arsenal secure £3.9m wonderkid after beating Liverpool and Juventus to signing
Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign highly-rated Georgian prospect Andria Bartishvili after beating several European clubs to the 17-year-old’s signature.
Georgian outlet Geo Team first reported that the Gunners had reached an agreement for Bartishvili, with Fabrizio Romano subsequently corroborating the deal and giving it his trademark “here we go”.
Arsenal will reportedly pay €4.5 million (£3.9m) for the attacking midfielder, who is expected in London next week to undergo a medical before signing a five-year contract.
Bartishvili will formally join Arsenal in 2027 after turning 18 due to regulations governing international transfers involving minors.
The agreement represents the culmination of a pursuit that has developed significantly over recent months, with Arsenal facing competition from Liverpool and Juventus for his signature.
Liverpool were particularly prominent in the race, but Arsenal have ultimately convinced the teenager that north London represents the best destination for the next stage of his development.
Arsenal’s pursuit has been driven by assistant sporting director Maurizio Micheli, who worked as Napoli’s chief scout and is credited with helping identify Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before the Georgian international’s breakthrough in Italy.
That connection is particularly notable because Bartishvili has already drawn comparisons in Georgia with Kvaratskhelia due to his technical ability, direct running and versatility across attacking positions.
Former Italy international Christian Zaccardo, who previously recommended Kvaratskhelia to Napoli, has also spoken highly of the youngster.
“Recently, a lot of talented players have appeared in Georgia, one of such players is Andria Bartishvili,” Zaccardo previously said.
“This 16-year-old attacking midfielder has the potential to become a great player.”
Bartishvili made his senior debut for Kolkheti aged just 16 before joining Iberia on loan, where his performances have accelerated interest from some of Europe’s leading clubs.
He has also progressed rapidly internationally and is already a Georgia Under-21 international despite still being only 17.
The agreement continues Arsenal’s aggressive recruitment of elite young talent, with the club also recently completing deals for Igor Tyjon and other highly-rated prospects as they strengthen the pathway towards Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s senior squad.
Bartishvili will have to wait before beginning that journey in England, but Arsenal have now moved decisively to secure one of Georgia’s most highly-regarded emerging talents before their European rivals could do so.
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