Full Breakdown
Arsenal Secures Pre-Contract for Georgian Forward Andria Bartishvili
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Arsenal Football Club has reached a pre-contract agreement to sign 17-year-old Georgian winger Andria Bartishvili. The deal will become effective in July 2027, when the player turns 18 and moves to north London. Bartishvili is currently on loan at Iberia 1999 in the Georgian top division, while his registration remains with second-tier side Kolkheti 1913.
Background & Context
Bartishvili made his senior debut in the Erovnuli Liga with Kolkheti 1913 in 2025 and was named the division’s best U-17 player that season. In 2026 he joined Iberia 1999, scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Gagra in May. Internationally, he progressed rapidly through Georgia’s youth teams, scoring on his U-17 debut against Slovenia and later appearing for the U-18 and U-21 sides.
Data & Statistics
- Appearances for Iberia 1999 in the 2025-26 season: 19, contributing to the club’s Georgian league title.
- European experience: five appearances in Champions League and Europa League qualifying matches.
- Reported transfer fee: one source cites a fee of up to €4.5 million payable to Kolkheti 1913; another source states Arsenal paid £4 million. The exact amount remains unconfirmed.
- Age milestone: Bartishvili will turn 18 on March 30 (scheduled) and will be eligible to join Arsenal a few months thereafter.
Official Statements & Responses
Arsenal announced that the club is “delighted” to have secured the pre-contract, emphasizing the player’s ability to operate as a winger or attacking midfielder. The club highlighted its recent focus on identifying elite young talent worldwide, noting that Bartishvili joins other incoming prospects such as Victor Ozhianvuna and the Quintero brothers slated for the summer of 2027.
What’s Next
The transfer is subject to completion of regulatory processes. Bartishvili will remain with Iberia 1999 for the remainder of the current season before reporting to Arsenal’s Sobha Realty Training Centre ahead of his scheduled move in July 2027.
