Arsenal Signs Georgian Talent Andria Bartishvili for 2027
Arsenal have beaten Liverpool to the signing of highly rated Georgian teenager Andria Bartishvili, locking in a deal that will only kick in from 2027 but underlines just how far ahead the champions are planning.
The move has been confirmed step by step by Fabrizio Romano, who on Friday morning delivered the final piece: Bartishvili has completed his medical and can now be “considered a new Arsenal player.” The 17-year-old attacking midfielder will officially join the first team in the summer of 2027, once he turns 18.
Arsenal clear out the attack – but keep an eye on tomorrow
The deal arrives at the end of a ruthless attacking reshuffle in north London. Arsenal have allowed four forwards to leave in quick succession: Ethan Nwaneri to Borussia Dortmund on loan, Gabriel Jesus to Barcelona in a £12m deal including add-ons, Gabriel Martinelli to Al-Hilal for £60m, and Fabio Vieira to Hamburg for £8.6m.
On paper, that is serious firepower out of the door. On the pitch, Mikel Arteta still has a squad that most of his rivals would happily trade for. The champions have reinforced with ready-made starters like Ezri Konsa and Bruno Guimaraes, both 28, and yet they are still investing aggressively in the next wave.
Liverpool, by contrast, have a clutch of elite players who could walk into Arsenal’s XI, but nowhere near the same depth. The sense around Anfield is of a side that can threaten on its day, but not one widely backed to go the distance in a title race. This transfer only sharpens that contrast.
Liverpool’s offer rejected as Arsenal close in
Both clubs pushed hard for Bartishvili over the summer. Liverpool went as far as putting a contract offer on the table for the teenager, but the Premier League champions won the race.
On August 29, Romano delivered his trademark “here we go” on X, announcing:
“Arsenal agree deal to sign 17 year old Georgian talent Andria Bartishvili, here we go! 17 year old midfielder has medical booked in London at #AFC next week then signing a five year contract. He’s joining from 2027 when turning 18. Deal worth €4.5m.”
The framework was clear: a five-year contract, a fee of €4.5m, and a delayed arrival to comply with age regulations. Arsenal were not buying for this season, or even the next. They were buying for the next cycle.
Days later, Romano reported that Bartishvili was travelling to London to finalise the switch and undergo his medical, stating: “Andria Bartishvili, on his way to London as he’s signing for Arsenal this week. Deal agreed last week for 17 year old Georgian talent joining #AFC from June 2027 when he’ll be 18.”
Now that medical has been completed and the agreement is “formally sealed”, according to Romano’s latest update. Bartishvili will walk into an Arsenal first-team environment already shaped to compete at the very top.
A title-winning squad in its prime, adding a 17-year-old playmaker for 2027. Liverpool made their move and lost. How many more of these battles can they afford to concede?
