Arsenal confirm pre-contract for Georgian forward Bartishvili

Arsenal have confirmed a pre-contract agreement to sign Georgian forward Andria Bartishvili from Kolkheti 1913, with the move set to become official in July 2027. The Premier League club announced the deal on September 11, 2026, stating they are delighted to have reached the agreement for the 17-year-old, who will be 18 when he arrives in north London. The transfer fee paid to Kolkheti 1913 is reported to be around £3.9 million (€4.5 million). Bartishvili is currently on loan at Iberia 1999 in the Georgian top flight and will remain there for the rest of the 2026 season. He is expected to join Arsenal's academy first, with potential for senior minutes in the 2027-28 season. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal, stating that Bartishvili chose Arsenal over many other proposals from English and German clubs. Romano noted that in Georgia, those who follow football say they haven't seen another talent with this kind of quality and potential since Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The player is described as versatile, capable of playing multiple attacking positions and being competent with both feet.