Arsenal appear to have lined up a delayed deal for Andria Bartishvili, with the 17-year-old Georgian attacking midfielder expected to arrive in 2027 after turning 18. That timing makes this look far more like a development move for the future than an immediate addition to Mikel Arteta’s senior squad.
- Arsenal appear to have agreed a deal for Bartishvili, with his arrival expected in 2027 after his 18th birthday.
- Bartishvili is currently with Iberia 1999 and is believed to be there on loan from Kolkheti 1913.
- He has two goals and three assists in 24 appearances for Iberia 1999, and scored twice in two Georgia Under-19 matches in June.
Andria Bartishvili’s Arsenal Agreement
Andria Bartishvili looks set for a move that would give Arsenal another highly rated young player to develop over time. The Georgian playmaker’s pursuit has been led by Maurizio Micheli, assistant to sporting director Andrea Berta.
Bartishvili is currently with Iberia 1999 and is believed to be there on loan from Kolkheti 1913. His 18th birthday falls in March 2027, and his current loan is due to run until December, as Georgia’s domestic season operates across the calendar year.
Bartishvili also appears to be travelling to London this week and has publicly acknowledged the development by thanking people for their congratulations. Liverpool and Juventus also showed interest, but Arsenal now appear to have moved into pole position for the teenager.
Bartishvili’s Development at Iberia 1999 and with Georgia
Bartishvili’s profile is that of a developing attacking midfielder who has already picked up useful senior minutes and moved quickly through Georgia’s age-group sides. He has represented Georgia at Under-16, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level, and he made his Under-21 debut while still only 17.
His club numbers remain modest, which fits the idea of Arsenal targeting potential rather than a finished product. Bartishvili has two goals and three assists in 24 appearances for Iberia 1999, with all of those goal contributions coming after he broke into the starting line-up at the start of May.
Bartishvili has also picked up some early experience beyond domestic football. Bartishvili has made 19 domestic appearances, scoring two league goals, while also featuring five times in Champions League and Europa League qualifying. He added another encouraging burst in June by scoring two goals in two matches for Georgia Under-19s.
Georgia manager Willy Sagnol’s assessment offers a sensible note of caution amid the excitement. Technical quality can open doors for a player like Bartishvili, but mindset and continued work will shape how far he goes from here.
Arsenal’s Academy Recruitment Plans and Bartishvili’s Prospects
Arsenal’s interest in Bartishvili fits a wider push to bring more young talent into the club’s development pipeline. This summer’s academy intake has included Igor Tyjon from Blackburn, Vincent Joseph from Liverpool, Axel Donczew from Cardiff, Elijah Upson from Tottenham and Mylo Bernard from Crystal Palace, while Edwin Quintero, Holger Quintero and Victor Ozhianvuna are also expected to join after turning 18.
Maurizio Micheli’s involvement gives the move a clear recruitment link inside Arsenal’s structure. Micheli, assistant to sporting director Andrea Berta, appears to have led the pursuit and was previously credited with helping Napoli identify Khvicha Kvaratskhelia earlier in his career. That is useful background on Arsenal’s prospect identification work, even if Bartishvili’s own path is still at a much earlier stage.
The next steps do not need to be rushed. An initial role in Arsenal’s youth set-up, some first-team training exposure or another senior loan could all be realistic options once he arrives. For now, Arsenal appear to be securing Bartishvili as part of a gradual development plan, with any senior decision likely to come much later.
