Official: Arsenal announce signing of 'next Khvicha Kvaratskhelia'

Official: Arsenal announce signing of 'next Khvicha Kvaratskhelia' Make us your Google favourite Arsenal have officially announced the signing of Kolkheti wonderkid Andria Bartishvili . The 17-year-old Georgian sensation is set to link up with the Gunners next summer. Due to his age, he can't yet move to the United Kingdom and will therefore have to remain with Iberia 1999, where he is currently on loan from Kolkheti. A few weeks ago, reports emerged that Arsenal had reached an agreement to sign the teenager for €4.5 million. Bartishvili then touched down in London on 2 September to complete his medical and paperwork for his transfer. The interest in Bartishvili was reportedly driven by Maurizio Micheli, who is now operating as the right-hand man of sporting director Andrea Berta. The Italian was previously Napoli's chief scout, where he unearthed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Naturally, due to his precious talent and the fact that he can play as a winger or playmaker, Bartishvili has been compared to his famous compatriot. While Kvaratskhelia had to make a detour via Russia to get to Europe's elite, the 17-year-old is going straight to the top. Arsenal sign Bartishvili In an official statement on Friday, Arsenal finally confirmed the capture of Bartishvili. "We are delighted to announce we've reached a pre-contract agreement to sign Georgian forward Andria Bartishvili in July 2027," the club announced. "The 17-year-old, who will be 18 when he moves to north London, operates as a winger or attacking midfielder. Andria is currently on loan at Iberia 1999 in the Georgian top flight, one league above his parent club Kolkheti 1913. OFFICIAL: Arsenal have signed Georgian wonderkid Andria Bartishvili 🇬🇪 He will officially join next year after turning 18 👶 pic.twitter.com/qiigp2iuml — Football Transfers (@Transfersdotcom) September 11, 2026 "Our latest recruit made his Erovnuli Liga debut with Kolkheti in 2025, and at the end of the season, was named the best U17 player in the division. For the 2026 season, Andria moved to Iberia 1999, where he has since scored his first professional goal, netting the winner in a 1-0 win over Gagra in May. "At international level, Andria has flown through the Georgian youth ranks. Having impressed in his two under-16s appearances, he moved up to the under-17s, where he scored on his debut against Slovenia. "After an impressive run at under-17s level, the winger moved up to under-18s and quickly under-21s, where he has now made two appearances for Georgia. "Everyone at Arsenal looks forward to Andria's arrival next summer and wishes him luck for the rest of this season at Iberia 1999. The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes." Arsenal also want to sign Kvaratskhelia With a deal for the "next Kvaratskhelia" wrapped up, Arsenal's next order of business could be to snap up the real one. Well, kind of. Reports earlier this week claimed that the Gunners are among the clubs interested in Tornike Kvaratskhelia. The 16-year-old is the younger brother of Khvicha and has been making waves at Dinamo Tbilisi. The teenager is a tricky winger like his sibling and has already made 13 senior appearances despite his youth. Arsenal are believed to be firmly in the race to acquire Tornike, but Chelsea and Tottenham are currently considered the favourites to secure his signature. Like Bartishvili, Kvaratskhelia would have to wait until his 18th birthday before moving to the Premier League. The 16-year-old - and Bartishvili - could be part of a wider influx of Georgian talent, illustrating that the Caucasian country is doing excellent developmental work. Last year, Newcastle signed 19-year-old striker Vakhtang Salia from Dinamo.