Arsenal Seal Pre-Contract Deal for Georgian Prospect Andria Bartishvili
Arsenal have secured a pre-contract agreement for Georgian forward Andria Bartishvili, with the 17-year-old set to join the club in July 2027 after turning 18.
Why the deal matters for Arsenal
The agreement adds another young international prospect to Arsenal’s long-term planning. Bartishvili can operate from wide areas or as an attacking midfielder and has already progressed through Georgia’s youth international teams before making two appearances at under-21 level.
| Player | Age | Current club | Arrival date | 2026 league return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andria Bartishvili | 17 | Iberia 1999, on loan from Kolkheti 1913 | July 2027 | 2 goals, 2 assists |
Bartishvili joined Iberia 1999 on loan from second-tier Kolkheti 1913 in January and has registered two goals and two assists in Georgia’s Erovnuli Liga. His move to the top division followed an individual breakthrough season at Kolkheti, where he was recognised as the Erovnuli Liga’s leading under-17 player despite the club’s relegation.
The attacker began his development at Dinamo Tbilisi, the academy that also produced Georgia and former Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. He has represented his country at under-16, under-17 and under-18 levels, before stepping up to the under-21 squad.
Arsenal said they were looking forward to Bartishvili’s arrival next summer and wished him well for the remainder of the campaign with Iberia 1999.
What remains to be decided
Bartishvili will remain with Iberia 1999 for the rest of the current season. His role and first destination within Arsenal’s set-up after his July 2027 arrival have not been confirmed.
