Full Breakdown
Arsenal Move to Secure Georgian Prodigy Andria Bartishvili
6/19/2026, 11:37:29 PM
Core Transfer Offer
Arsenal are preparing a pre-contract agreement to sign 17-year-old Georgian under-21 international Andria Bartishvili. The teenager remains under contract with FC Kolkheti until the end of 2026, and the Gunners intend to activate the pre-contract window this summer. Reports indicate that Juventus and other Serie A clubs are also pursuing the versatile attacking midfielder, but Arsenal’s offer is understood to be the leading bid.
Background & Context
Bartishvili progressed through Dinamo Tbilisi’s youth system before making his senior debut for FC Kolkheti in April 2025 at 16 years and two days, becoming the youngest player ever in the Erovnuli Liga. A season-long loan at Iberia 1999 saw him score the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over Gagra and help the side finish second in the Georgian top flight, missing the title by a single point. His performances at the under-17 level—two goals against Kazakhstan in Qabala, Azerbaijan—have drawn comparisons to fellow Georgian star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Key Figures & Groups
- Arsenal – Sporting director Andrea Berta and recent recruit Maurizio Micheli, who previously championed the signing of Kvaratskhelia.
- FC Kolkheti – Bartishvili’s parent club, holding his contract through 2026.
- Iberia 1999 – The loan club where he showcased his senior potential.
- Christian Dzaccardo – Italian agent who has promoted Bartishvili to European clubs.
- Alan Blayney – Father of the teenager, confirming the imminent pre-contract.
Data & Statistics
- Age: 17 (born 2008); debuted at 16 years 2 days.
- Senior debut: April 2025 for FC Kolkheti.
- First senior goal: 1-0 victory over Gagra while on loan at Iberia 1999.
- International record: Two goals in an under-17 match versus Kazakhstan.
- Club performance: Iberia 1999 finished 2nd in the 2025-26 Erovnuli Liga, one point shy of the championship.
Official Statements & Responses
BBC Sport journalist Sami Mokbel reported that Arsenal are “set to make an offer” for Bartishvili, indicating the club’s intention to secure a pre-contract before the player’s 2026 contract expires. Arsenal’s recruitment team, led by Andrea Berta and bolstered by Maurizio Micheli’s recent appointment, has emphasized a strategic focus on emerging Georgian talent, citing the earlier acquisition of Kvaratskhelia as a precedent. No formal club announcement has been released, and the deal remains subject to final medical and registration procedures.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Bartishvili’s age at the time of certain comments: the agent refers to him as a “16-year-old attacking midfielder,” while other reports list him as 17. Contract duration is consistently described as ending in 2026, though one source phrased it as “until the end of this year,” reflecting the article’s 2026 publication date. No official Arsenal statement confirming the contract terms has been made public.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Recently, a lot of talented players have appeared in Georgia, one of such players is Andria Bartishvili,” — Christian Dzaccardo, Italian agent
- “This 16-year-old attacking midfielder has the potential to become a great player.” — Christian Dzaccardo, Italian agent
- “I saw Khvicha Kvaratskhelia play two years before he moved to Napoli, he was already a phenomenal player. I met him and then recommended him to Napoli.” — Christian Dzaccardo, Italian agent
- “Everything has been agreed with Arsenal, he just needs to sign the contract. When he’s 17, he will sign a professional contract. It’s done and dusted and a pre-contract will be signed when the time is right.” — Alan Blayney, father
What’s Next
The pre-contract is expected to be signed in the summer transfer window, after which Bartishvili will join Arsenal’s academy and become eligible for a professional contract upon turning 17. His arrival is projected to bolster Arsenal’s midfield depth and continue the club’s emerging pipeline of Georgian talent.
