Arsenal medical underway with third Gunners signing already lined up for 2027

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of FC Kolkheti-1913 Poti star Andria Bartishvili, with the playmaker having a medical today. The Gunners have spent the summer preparing their squad for another Premier League title challenge, but have also had an eye on the future with deals to sign stars for the future.

As has been reported by football.london, Arsenal have agreed a €4.5million (£3.9million) deal to sign the 17-year-old playmaker, although he will not move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Instead, it’s understood that Bartishvili will officially become an Arsenal player in 12 months time, which will also coincide with the arrivals of Ecuadorian twins Holger and Edwin Quintero from Independiente.

This will also be when Bartishvili turns 18, where he will be expected to sign a five-year contract to move to Arsenal.

It is understood that Bartishvili was present at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Thursday to undergo a medical and finalise the remaining details surrounding his switch to the Gunners.

The youngster is set to become the fourth young talent snapped up by Arsenal ahead of a prospective future arrival, following Victor Ozhianvuna's move from Shamrock Rovers in January.

Georgian football expert Saba Sapanadze spoke to football.london regarding Arsenal's quest to sign Bartishvili, and why the fee agreed for the playmaker represents exceptional value for the Premier League champions.

“I think Arsenal were very lucky to get Andria for €4.5million,” Sapanadze said. “That only happened because he’s Georgian, otherwise I genuinely believe his price would have been around €15million-€20million.

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“Why? Because he is considered one of the biggest talents in the country, alongside [Khvicha] Kvaratskhelia’s brother, Tornike.”

Sapanadze runs Geo Team, a Georgian football platform that delivers updates on players from the country, and proceeded to outline why he anticipates Bartishvili will join the first team in training upon his arrival next year, after which a loan could be an option.

“Let’s be realistic. Arsenal have an incredible squad right now, so it would be unrealistic for me to tell you that he’ll walk straight into the first team,” he said.

“However, from what I understand, he’ll have a first-team contract and will train with the senior squad.

“Perhaps, initially, a loan to the Championship for regular playing time could be a smart move and help him adapt to British football.”

Arsenal experienced a relatively quiet summer transfer window following their Premier League title success earlier this year, with four new additions confirmed by the club.

Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa, Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier have all been brought in by Arsenal this summer, as Mikel Arteta and Co. look to retain their crown.