Wonderkid spotted catching flight to London for Arsenal transfer

Georgian youngster Andria Bartishvili has been pictured making the trip to London to complete a transfer move to Arsenal.

Bartishvili is currently on loan with Erovnuli Liga outfit Iberia 1999 from Kolkheti 1913 and is considered one of the brightest talents in Georgian football.

Though just 17 years of age, the attacking midfielder has already been capped twice by Georgia’s Under-21 side and top teams from across Europe have been closely monitoring his progress.

But Arsenal intensified their interest and won the race for Bartishvili’s signature this summer, agreeing a deal that will see the teenager join the club in 2027.

According to The Athletic, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and his assistant Maurizio Micheli were instrumental in coaxing Bartishvili to north London.

Renowned for his talent-spotting skills, Micheli is said to have spotted Georgian superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in his previous role as the chief scout at Napoli.

Bartishvili, who turns 18 next March, took to Instagram to pass on his gratitude for the kind messages he had received ahead of his move to Arsenal.

‘A very big thank you to everyone for the congratulations,’ he wrote.

Twenty-four hours after confirming his impending switch, Bartishvili was snapped boarding a flight to the UK to undergo a medical with the Gunners.

It’s understood Bartishvili will put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the Premier League champions.

Liverpool and Juventus were among the clubs credited with an interest in Bartishvili before Arsenal muscled themselves into pole position for the sought-after teen.

In June, Georgia head coach Willy Sagnol – the former France and Bayern Munich defender – picked Bartishvili out as a special talent.

But Sagnol was keen to stress that talent alone would not be enough to take Bartishvili to the elite levels of the game.

‘I watched the youth team play, Bartishvili is a very talented player,’ Sagnol explained.

‘However, for a talented player to take a step forward in his career, technique alone is not enough.

‘The right mindset is needed, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is an example of this.

‘Hopefully, Andria and the other young players will continue to work and develop to become great players in the future.’

Igor Tyjon, Vincent Joseph, Axel Donczew, Elijah Upson and Mylo Bernard have also agreed deals to join Arsenal’s academy ranks this summer.

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