Arsenal set to make £2m swoop for ‘next Kvaratskhelia’
The Gunners are keen on highly rated £2m Georgian teen talent Andria Bartishvili
Arsenal are set to lodge an offer for a talented teenager dubbed the ‘next Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.’
The Gunners are keen on highly rated Georgian midfielder Andria Bartishvili as the club continue their plan to implement more young European talent into the side.
The 17-year-old has been touted as one of the brightest prospects to come from the Georgian league in recent years and has a handful of top clubs around Europe monitoring his situation.
It is understood the Gunners are prepared to offer a pre-contract for Bartishvili, who is contracted to his club FC Kolkheti until the end of the year.
Bartishvili spent the last season out on loan at Iberia 1999 where he played a crucial role in the club fighting for the title. Unfortunately, they missed out on the trophy by a single point, but the midfielder certainly played his part in the success.
He is capable of playing as a central attacking midfielder, an advanced playmaker or even on the wing. His technical ability is really impressive, and he has a tremendous habit of finding tight pockets of space where he is able to work with the ball and create opportunities for his side. His close touch control is also a good trait of his and despite being one of the youngest in the league, he was one of the most effective.
The teenager made just 13 appearances and with such little games, was able to impress majorly. He scored two goals and assisted another, but it was his passing and defending that also caught people’s eyes. He managed seven key passes in the league and was winning most of his duels in the midfield. A quality Mikel Arteta will absolutely love.
He has also played for Georgia at youth level where he has featured in four qualifiers for his country. Two for the u21s and two for the U19s. He scored against both Iceland and Montenegro in the international fixtures at the start of June with the U19s helping them to their singular point so far.
Arsenal’s interest is no surprise this summer with the Gunners keen on recruiting young talent. Jeremy Monga and Emmanuel Mbemba are the other two teenagers being closely watched by the Gunners this transfer window.
Juventus are the other European giant heavily interested in Bartishvili and have been watching his development for some time.
Talks remain ongoing for the Gunners and no agreement has been reached as of yet. Arsenal are keen to move quickly on the situation as the North London giants face competition elsewhere across Europe for the teenager.