The race to sign the best young players in world football never stops, particularly among the game's biggest clubs.

Arsenal have submitted a pre-contract offer to sign 17-year-old Georgian sensation Andria Bartishvili as a free agent, as per BBC Sport.

The young winger, dubbed Georgia's next Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, is currently on the books of Iberia 1999 on loan from FC Kolkheti.

The Gunners are keen to sign the attacker and have submitted an official offer.

Who Is Andria Bartishvili?

Born in 2009, Andria Bartishvili began his journey in professional football at Dinamo Tbilisi before joining FC Kolkheti ahead of the 2025 season.

He made his senior debut for the club in April 2025 against Samgurali, becoming the youngest player to play in the Erovnuli Liga in the 2025 season.

He moved to Iberia 1999 on loan ahead of the 2026 season, despite having just one year left on his contract with his parent club.

Bartishvili impressed in age-group football for Georgia, earning comparisons with Kvaratskhelia after his performances for the country's U-17 team last June.

The attacking midfielder primarily plays behind the striker and can play out wide, as well, due to his 1v1 dribbling ability and sheer explosiveness.

How Maurizio Micheli Could Help Arsenal Land Bartishvili

A key figure behind Arsenal's interest in Bartishvili is the club's assistant to sporting director Andrea Berta, Maurizio Micheli.

Micheli was Napoli's chief scout when the club identified Kvaratskhelia at Dinamo Batumi before bringing him to Italy, where he developed into one of the world's best players.

With Bartishvili having shown several traits similar to Kvaratskhelia's, Micheli is at the forefront of the push to secure him before his market value skyrockets.

Bartishvili can fulfil his potential, Arsenal could have another exciting young talent on their hands.

Liverpool and Juventus Also Monitor Bartishvili

As one of Georgia's most promising young players, Bartishvili has attracted interest from several clubs.

The Gunners have moved aggressively and provided a contract offer for the 17-year-old, but he is weighing up his options ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the year.

Premier League giants Liverpool are also interested in the teenager, while Serie A side Juventus are monitoring his situation after previously missing out on Kvaratskhelia.

Both clubs have also identified the youngster's technical quality and high ceiling, and are prepared to offer him a deal once his contract expires.

Arsenal lead the race for Bartishvili due to Micheli's influence and the development pathway they can offer him.

Pending international clearance and work permit issuance, he would go straight into their U-21 team, with a view to making his senior debut in the future.