Arsenal are closing in on a deal to sign talented teenager Andria Bartishvili from FC Kolkheti-1913 Poti
Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal
Mikel Arteta, manager of Arsenal(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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FC Kolkheti-1913 Poti star Andria Bartishvili has undergone a medical to become an Arsenal player, football.london understands .
As previously reported by football.london, the Gunners have agreed a deal worth €4.5million (£3.9million) to bring the talented teenager to North London.
However, the move will not see Bartishvili officially move to the Emirates Stadium until the summer of 2027, which will be the same time as Ecuadorian twins Holger and Edwin Quintero join the club from Independiente.
Bartishvili, 17, will officially become an Arsenal player next summer when he turns 18, and is expected to sign a five-year contract with the reigning Premier League champions.
It’s understood that Bartishvili was at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Thursday to complete a medical and finalise the remaining details around his transfer to the Gunners.
Bartishvili will be expected to be the fourth youngster signed by Arsenal ahead of a prospective arrival in the future, with Victor Ozhianvuna arriving from Shamrock Rovers in January.
Georgian football expert Saba Sapanadze spoke with football.london about Arsenal’s move for Bartishvili, and why the fee agreed for the playmaker represents a bargain for the Premier League champions.
“I think Arsenal were very lucky to get Andria for €4.5million,” Sapanadze said. “That only happened because he’s Georgian, otherwise I genuinely believe his price would have been around €15million-€20million.
“Why? Because he is considered one of the biggest talents in the country, alongside [Khvicha] Kvaratskhelia’s brother, Tornike.”
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Sapanadze runs Geo Team, a Georgian football platform that provides updates on players from the country, and went on to explain why he expects Bartishvili to link up with the first team in training upon his arrival next year, after which a loan may be a possibility.
“Let’s be realistic. Arsenal have an incredible squad right now, so it would be unrealistic for me to tell you that he’ll walk straight into the first team,” he said.
“However, from what I understand, he’ll have a first-team contract and will train with the senior squad.
“Perhaps, initially, a loan to the Championship for regular playing time could be a smart move and help him adapt to British football.”
Arsenal had a relatively quiet summer transfer window following their Premier League title triumph earlier this year, with four new signings confirmed by the club.
Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa, Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier have all been signed by Arsenal this summer, as Mikel Arteta and Co. look to defend their crown.