Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of highly-rated Georgian teenager Andria Bartishvili, with the Gunners reportedly intensifying their efforts to bring the attacking midfielder to north London from Kolkheti 1913 this summer.
The 17-year-old has rapidly established himself as one of Georgia’s brightest young talents and has already drawn comparisons with Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia due to his technical ability and creativity.
Bartishvili began his footballing journey in the Dinamo Tbilisi academy before making headlines in April 2025 when he became the youngest player to feature in the Erovnuli Liga that season. At just 16 years and two days old, he made his senior debut for Kolkheti-1913 Poti against Samgurali Tsqaltubo.
Although he joined FC Iberia 1999 on loan in January and has not cemented a regular starting place, the teenager has continued to impress. He has made 16 league appearances, played close to 1,000 minutes, and registered two goals and two assists, attracting attention from several clubs across Europe.
Reports suggest Arsenal are now increasing their interest, with recruitment chief Maurizio Micheli recently travelling to Lilleküla Stadium to watch Bartishvili during Iberia’s 3-2 UEFA Champions League qualifying victory over Flora.
The Georgian Under-21 international played his part as Iberia progressed 5-4 on aggregate to book a second qualifying-round clash with Slovan Bratislava, further enhancing his growing reputation.
Despite yet to receive a senior international cap, Bartishvili has already earned praise from Georgia head coach Willy Sagnol, who has described the youngster as a “very talented player.”
Arsenal’s interest reflects the club’s continued focus on recruiting elite young talent. In recent transfer windows, the Gunners have invested heavily in youth prospects, including Jaden Dixon, Evan Mooney, and Ecuadorian twins Edwin Quintero and Holger Quintero.
The pathway to first-team football under Mikel Arteta has also become increasingly attractive, with academy graduates such as Max Dowman, Marli Solomon, Andre Harriman Annous, Ife Ibrahim, Brando Bailey-Joseph and Marli Salmon all handed senior opportunities.
That commitment to developing young players could prove a key factor as Arsenal look to convince one of Georgia’s most exciting prospects to join their long-term project this summer.