Andria Bartishvili: Georgian Prodigy Attracting Liverpool and Arsenal

Liverpool and Arsenal are circling one of Georgia’s brightest young talents – and the clock is very much part of the story.

A Georgian prodigy on Europe’s radar

At 17, Andria Bartishvili has already forced his way into the Georgian topflight, hitting double figures for appearances this season and marking his breakthrough with a decisive first senior goal in a 1-0 win over Gagra.

He plays with the swagger of a No 10 and the instincts of a modern wide playmaker. Nominally an attacking midfielder, he drifts in from the left, happy to receive the ball in tight spaces, turn sharply, and drive at defenders. At 170cm, he relies on balance, close control and those sudden changes of direction that leave markers flat‑footed.

Back home, the comparisons are inevitable. His one‑v‑one ability and style on the ball have already drawn parallels with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – a heavy name to carry for a teenager, but also a sign of how highly he is regarded.

A contract puzzle big clubs want to solve

Bartishvili’s club situation adds another layer of intrigue.

He is currently on loan at FC Iberia 1999, with his parent club Kolkheti 1913 (Kolkheti Poti) holding his registration. The loan runs until the end of 2026. Crucially, so does his contract with Kolkheti.

When 2026 ends, he goes back to Kolkheti Poti on paper – but his deal there expires at the same time. That opens the door to a free transfer or a move for only minimal compensation, a rare loophole in a market where teenage prospects usually cost a premium.

Arsenal have already been credited with an attempt to exploit that window, reportedly preparing a pre-contract offer to lock him in on a Bosman-style agreement before the rest of Europe fully wakes up to him. A fee in the region of £2m has been mentioned as a reference point for what it might take to bring him in early.

Liverpool join the chase

Now the race has intensified.

Reliable Georgian outlet “Geo Team” reported on X that three clubs are actively working on a deal: Arsenal FC, Liverpool FC, and Paris FC. According to their information, Bartishvili has not yet reached an agreement with Arsenal, and the offers from the two English giants are understood to be identical.

That levels the playing field. Money, at least at this stage, is not the decisive factor.

Paris FC are trying a different pitch. While they cannot match the global stature of Liverpool or Arsenal, they are said to be pushing the promise of guaranteed first‑team minutes from the start – a powerful argument for a 17‑year‑old who needs games more than headlines.

Decision on hold – for now

Bartishvili will not decide immediately.

Per “Geo Team”, he and his representatives plan to make a final call after upcoming European qualification matches, in which he is set to feature for FC Iberia 1999. Those fixtures now carry a double weight: a chance to push his club forward and an opportunity to showcase his talent to three very different suitors.

Liverpool can offer a pathway into one of the most demanding midfields in Europe, Arsenal a place in a project built around young, technical attackers, and Paris FC a fast track to senior football.

For a 17‑year‑old from Georgia, the next move could define everything that follows.