Arsenal's pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia may have cooled, but manager Mikel Arteta is now in discussions to sign a teenage prodigy hailed as the 'next Khvicha Kvaratskhelia'. With a Premier League title to defend next season, Arteta is focused on strengthening his squad during the summer transfer window, with a new left-winger being the top priority. The futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard remain uncertain, prompting the Gunners to target several high-profile forwards, including Kvaratskhelia.
After winning two Serie A titles with Napoli, the 25-year-old Georgia international moved to PSG for £69 million, where he has since secured back-to-back Champions League finals victories and established himself as one of the world's finest wingers. Kvaratskhelia played a pivotal role in PSG's Champions League final win over Arsenal in May, winning the penalty that allowed the French champions to equalize before triumphing in the shootout. Reports earlier this year indicated Arsenal were exploring a deal for Kvaratskhelia, and he was open to a move to north London. However, his father publicly dismissed the rumors, and PSG have no intention of letting a star player leave.
With a transfer appearing unlikely, Arsenal are now looking to the future. According to BBC Sport, they plan to make an offer for wonderkid Andria Bartishvili, who has drawn strong comparisons to Kvaratskhelia. The 17-year-old is under contract with Georgian second-division side FC Kolkheti until the end of 2026, and the Gunners are ready to make a pre-contract offer. The attacking midfielder made his senior debut last year, just two days after his 16th birthday, and is currently on loan at Iberia 1999, helping them to second place in the top-flight table.
Despite his youth and inexperience, Bartishvili is hailed as a major future talent and is already playing above his age level, with two appearances for the Georgia Under-21 side. Comparisons to fellow countryman Kvaratskhelia are widespread, particularly from Cristian Zaccardo, the former player turned agent who helped Napoli sign the prolific winger. 'Recently, a lot of talented players have appeared in Georgia. One such player is Andria Bartishvili,' Zaccardo told Sky Calcio last year. 'This 16-year-old attacking midfielder has the potential to become a great player. I saw Khvicha Kvaratskhelia two years before he moved to Napoli; he was already phenomenal. I met him and recommended him to Napoli.'
Arsenal may face competition for Bartishvili's signature, with several Italian clubs, including Juventus, also interested. The Gunners are set to begin their 2026/27 Premier League campaign against Championship champions Coventry City at the Emirates on August 21, with all fixtures announced on Friday morning.
