Arsenal have secured a deal to sign 17-year-old Georgian midfield prospect Andria Bartishvili from domestic side Iberia 1999.
The Gunners agreed to pay a fee in the region of €4.5 million to beat out competition from Premier League rivals including Liverpool.
Long term strategy for Emirates future
The creative midfielder has already undergone his medical examination in London and is set to sign a five-year contract with the North London club.
Due to FIFA transfer rules regarding minor players, Bartishvili will not link up with Mikel Arteta’s squad immediately.
He will remain in Georgia on loan with Iberia 1999 to continues his development before officially making the move to England in 2027 once he turns 18.
Crucial senior and European development
The teenager has already been gaining high-level competitive experience having been included in Iberia 1999’s UEFA Conference League squad for the current campaign.
Bartishvili has featured for Georgia across multiple youth levels and earned call-ups to their Under-21 national side despite his young age.
Arsenal view the versatile attacking midfielder as a long-term prospect who fits their modern recruitment drive targeting elite international youth talent.
