Arsenal's Pre-Contract Offer for Georgian Star Andria Bartishvili
Arsenal have made their first serious move for highly rated Georgian midfielder Andria Bartishvili, tabling a pre-contract offer as they look to lock down one of Eastern Europe’s most intriguing young talents.
BBC reporter Sami Mokbel says the offer would see Arsenal secure Bartishvili towards the end of 2026, when his current deal expires. This is a long play, not a quick win. The club know they are entering a race, not a stroll.
Because they are not alone.
Liverpool and Juventus are also credited with an interest, and Bartishvili is yet to decide his next step. The 17-year-old has options, and he is clearly in no rush to close any doors while his stock keeps rising.
Micheli leads Arsenal’s push
Inside Arsenal, Maurizio Micheli is driving the pursuit. The recruitment figurehead has taken a hands-on role, and the club’s interest has now moved from scouting to something far more concrete.
Mokbel previously reported that Micheli travelled to watch Bartishvili in person, turning up for Iberia 1999’s Champions League qualifier against Flora. That kind of trip is never casual. It usually signals intent.
Bartishvili belongs to FC Kolkheti but is currently on loan at Iberia 1999, with both clubs competing in Georgia’s domestic system. Because the Georgian calendar runs within a single year, his loan will not end until December.
Even if Arsenal win the race, they will still have to wait. Bartishvili may not be able to formally sign for the club until March 2027, when he turns 18, under international transfer regulations for minors.
Rising fast in Georgia
On the pitch, Bartishvili’s rise has gathered pace in 2024.
For Iberia, he has two goals and three assists from 24 appearances, with every one of those goal contributions coming after he forced his way into the starting XI at the beginning of May. Once he got in, he stayed in — and started to influence games.
His progress has been mirrored at international level. Bartishvili has already represented Georgia at u16, u17, u19 and u21 level, a rapid climb through the age groups that underlines how highly he is regarded at home.
In June, he scored twice in two games for the Georgia u19s, adding another line to a growing résumé that now has some of Europe’s biggest clubs circling.
Arsenal have made their move early. The question now is whether the teenager from Georgia sees his future in North London, or whether Liverpool, Juventus or another late contender can turn his head before 2026 arrives.
