Arsenal have won the race to sign a highly-rated wonderkid after the transfer window closed.
Andria Bartishvili of Iberia Tbilisi in action during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 second quali
Andria Bartishvili is set to join Arsenal from Iberia Tbilisi. (Image: Getty Images)
Georgian wonderkid Andria Bartishvili is heading to London to put pen to paper with Arsenal, despite the summer transfer window closing on Tuesday night. The Gunners are believed to have edged out competition from the likes of Liverpool, Juventus and Paris FC for the highly-regarded 17-year-old, who has been likened to Paris Saint-Germain sensation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Bartishvili currently plays for Georgian side Iberia 1999, on loan from Kolkheti 1913, but he is poised to complete a move to Arsenal - barring any last-minute complications - once he turns 18 in March. An agreement is now firmly in place for the gifted prospect, with the deal brokered by Andrea Berta's trusted right-hand man Maurizio Micheli, who conducted thorough scouting assessments on the thrilling teenager.
Georgian social media account @Geo__team have shared exclusive images of Bartishvili travelling to London ahead of his medical with the Premier League champions.
As the transfer is scheduled for 2027, the necessary formalities can still be finalised beyond yesterday evening's deadline.
Arsenal have placed considerable emphasis on youth recruitment this year as they seek to strengthen their academy with a string of prodigies from around the world.
Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Igor Tyjon has finally completed his arrival from Blackburn following unsuccessful attempts in January, while midfielder Axel Donczew has also joined from Cardiff.
Elijah Upson, the son of former Arsenal defender Matthew, was recruited following his exit from Tottenham, while Vincent Joseph and Mylo Bernard were secured from Liverpool and Crystal Palace respectively.
Ecuadorian forwards Holger and Edwin Quintero are also set to arrive in 2027 and have already made the trip to north London to take part in training sessions at London Colney.
Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal during the Arsenal Media Day at OMA Film Studios on August 18, 2026
Gabriel Martinelli is on the verge of leaving Arsenal for Saudi Arabia. (Image: Getty Images)
Republic of Ireland youth international midfielder Victor Ozhianvuna will link up with the club in January from Shamrock Rovers, yet it is Bartishvili who has generated the most considerable buzz.
Gunners chief Michelli has also been credited with discovering Kvaratskhelia during his previous tenure at Napoli, demonstrating a sharp eye for talent and a proven ability to identify a future star.
Bartishvili recently played a pivotal role in helping his current side, Iberia 1999, become the first-ever Georgian club to reach the UEFA Conference League league phase, despite being knocked out of Champions League qualifying and the Europa League play-off round.
He will initially be integrated into the club's youth academy but is expected to feature in Arsenal's first-team training sessions, with the prospect of breaking into Mikel Arteta's senior squad very much on the cards.