Liverpool will compete with Arsenal in the race to sign 17-year-old Georgian wonderkid Andria Bartishvili from Kolkheti Poti this year.
According to an update by Geo Team, Andria Bartishvili remains the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by procuring a long-term versatile solution in the final third, and they have set their sights on the 17-year-old Kolkheti Poti attacking sensation.
Recent reports have claimed that they are preparing a pre-contract agreement to secure his services in the coming weeks. However, the update by Geo Team has suggested that the Premier League champions are yet to reach an agreement for a deal, with Liverpool and Paris FC also vying for his signature.
Who is Andria Bartishvili?
Andria Bartishvili has emerged as one of Georgia’s most promising talents. Born in Tbilisi, the teenage sensation has spent his formative years thus far in Georgia, starting his youth career at Dinamo Tbilisi before joining FC Kolkheti Poti in January 2025. However, the teenager made his first-team debut during a loan spell with Iberia 1999.
While the 17-year-old has not been a regular starter for Iberia 1999 since arriving in January, he has made his mark during the 2026 campaign thus far. Bartishvili has amassed nearly 1,000 minutes of game time in 15 league appearances while chipping in with two goals and two assists. The Georgian prodigy’s progress has provoked interest from several high-profile clubs.
What next for Bartishvili?
While several clubs are aiming to get ahead of the curve in the race to sign the “next Kvaratskhelia”, Arsenal may have jumped to the front of the queue. The Gunners are reportedly preparing an offer for the 17-year-old, and they are negotiating a bargain move. Their interest makes sense, as Leandro Trossard is approaching the twilight of his career. So, Bartishvili can be a long-term solution in the final third.
As for Liverpool, Andoni Iraola will aim to reduce the average age of his squad. Additionally, with Mohamed Salah departing as a free agent, the Reds must identify a long-term successor to the Egyptian international. Bartishvili, who has drawn comparisons to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, can take over the mantle in the long run if he fulfils his potential.
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While the youngster may not be ready to hit the ground running in the Premier League and will require an acclimatisation period, he can eventually grow into the role of a regular. However, Paris FC can provide a quicker pathway to regular first-team action, which complicates matters for Arsenal and Liverpool.
