Liverpool and Arsenal Target Georgia’s Young Talent Bartishvili

Liverpool and Arsenal are circling one of Georgia’s most exciting young talents – and the race is already getting political.

Premier League giants move for Bartishvili

Andria Bartishvili, just 17, has forced his way into the Georgian top flight this season and is now at the centre of a three‑way tug of war involving Liverpool, Arsenal and Paris FC.

The attacking midfielder, on loan at FC Iberia 1999 from parent club Kolkheti 1913, has already hit double figures for league appearances and scored his first senior goal in a 1-0 win over Gagra. That strike did more than win three points. It announced him.

Back home he’s viewed as one of the brightest prospects to come out of Georgia in years. At 170cm, he isn’t imposing, but he doesn’t need to be. He plays as a classic No 10 or drifting in off the left, relying on tight close control, sharp changes of direction and the confidence to go past defenders in one‑v‑one situations. Those traits have inevitably drawn early comparisons with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

A contract situation that invites opportunity

The real intrigue sits in his contract.

Bartishvili’s loan at Iberia 1999 runs until the end of 2026. At that point, he is due to return to Kolkheti Poti – but his deal with the parent club also expires then. That double deadline leaves a window that Europe’s recruiters have spotted immediately.

With his contract running down, he could be prised away for a minimal compensation fee, or potentially even move on a free in Bosman-style fashion. Arsenal are reported to be preparing a pre-contract offer designed specifically to exploit that scenario and steal a march on rivals.

That plan has not gone unnoticed.

“Identical offers” – and a different kind of pitch

Reliable Georgian outlet “Geo Team” reported on X that three clubs are now actively working on a deal: Arsenal FC, Liverpool FC and Paris FC. According to their information, Bartishvili has not reached an agreement with Arsenal, and the field remains open.

The report claims Arsenal and Liverpool have tabled “identical offers”, leaving Paris FC to try a different route. The French side are said to be attempting to sway the teenager with the promise of guaranteed first‑team minutes from the start – a powerful argument for a 17‑year‑old weighing development against the allure of a superclub badge.

It has been reported that Arsenal would be willing to pay around £2m for Bartishvili, a figure that now serves as an informal benchmark for any deal.

Decision on hold – for now

For the moment, Bartishvili is keeping his focus on the pitch. Geo Team report that he and his representatives will only make a final decision after upcoming European qualification matches, which he is set to play with FC Iberia 1999.

By then, the offers may not just be identical in value. They will be competing on vision, pathway and trust.

Liverpool, Arsenal or Paris – whoever convinces him will not just be signing a teenager. They will be gambling that Georgia’s next great creator is ready to step onto a far bigger stage.