Arsenal agree £3.9m deal for Georgian teenager Bartishvili, who joins in 2027

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Georgian teenager Andria Bartishvili, with the 17-year-old playmaker undergoing a medical at the club’s Sobha Realty Training Centre on Thursday. The Premier League champions have agreed a €4.5 million (£3.9m) deal with FC Kolkheti-1913 Poti, though Bartishvili will not make the move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

The youngster is expected to officially become an Arsenal player in 12 months’ time, coinciding with his 18th birthday, at which point he will sign a five-year contract. His arrival is also set to coincide with that of Ecuadorian twins Holger and Edwin Quintero from Independiente, making him the third confirmed future signing the Gunners have lined up for 2027.

Bartishvili becomes the fourth young talent secured by Arsenal ahead of a prospective future arrival, following Victor Ozhianvuna’s move from Shamrock Rovers in January.

Georgian football expert Saba Sapanadze, who runs the Geo Team platform, told football.london that the fee represents exceptional value. “I think Arsenal were very lucky to get Andria for €4.5 million,” Sapanadze said. “That only happened because he’s Georgian, otherwise I genuinely believe his price would have been around €15 million to €20 million.”

Sapanadze cited Bartishvili’s standing in Georgian football as justification for that valuation. “He is considered one of the biggest talents in the country, alongside Kvaratskhelia’s brother, Tornike,” he added, referencing Napoli and France winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

On what to expect when Bartishvili arrives, Sapanadze was measured about his immediate prospects. “Arsenal have an incredible squad right now, so it would be unrealistic to say he’ll walk straight into the first team,” he said. “However, from what I understand, he’ll have a first-team contract and will train with the senior squad. Perhaps, initially, a loan to the Championship for regular playing time could be a smart move and help him adapt to British football.”

Arsenal had a relatively quiet summer window following their Premier League title success, with four senior additions confirmed by the club. The Bartishvili deal underlines a parallel strategy of securing young talent well in advance of their eligibility to play in England.