Arsenal have reached a complete agreement to sign 17-year-old Georgian attacking midfielder Adria Bartishvili, securing one of Eastern Europe’s most coveted prospects after beating off competition from several rival clubs. The teenager will fly to England on Monday to undergo medical tests in London before signing a five-year contract at London Colney. Widely regarded in Georgia as the country’s finest young talent since Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bartishvili is viewed as a future cornerstone of his national team. Due to regulations governing international transfers for minors, Bartishvili will officially complete his move to Arsenal in 2027 upon turning 18.
Arsenal’s recruitment team played a decisive role in securing the agreement, led by former Napoli head of scouting Maurizio Micheli, who now works for the North London club. Micheli previously identified and orchestrated Kvaratskhelia’s transfer to Napoli, using that deep understanding of Georgian football to spearhead Arsenal’s move for Bartishvili. The connection allowed Arsenal to move swiftly and beat competing suitors across Europe to seal the commitment.
Bartishvili’s prospective arrival comes as Georgian talent continues to attract major European interest. Liverpool are finalizing their own deal for Georgia international and Euro 2024 standout Giorgi Mamardashvili. The Valencia goalkeeper is set to become Arne Slot’s first signing at Anfield, with an agreement structured for Mamardashvili to remain on loan at Valencia for the remainder of the season.
Alongside their long-term acquisition of Bartishvili, Arsenal remain active in finalizing immediate first-team squad adjustments. The Gunners continue efforts to finalize a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. Simultaneously, forward Eddie Nketiah is expected to join Crystal Palace in a deal worth £25 million plus £5 million in add-ons after a proposed move to Nottingham Forest collapsed. Personal terms present no barrier for the 25-year-old striker. Outgoing loan movements also see Oleksandr Zinchenko joining Nottingham Forest and Reiss Nelson heading to Brentford.
The activity forms part of a busy transfer market across the Premier League. Manchester United are progressing on a move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte alongside the signing of Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, while Chelsea continue to track Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. By securing Bartishvili on a five-year deal ahead of his 2027 arrival, Arsenal have reinforced their long-term talent pipeline while navigating pressing deadline-day movements.
