Arsenal have made a formal pre-contract offer for highly-rated Georgia Under-21 international Andria Bartishvili as Andrea Berta attempts to win a transfer race involving Liverpool and Juventus.
The Gunners have been pursuing the 17-year-old attacking midfielder since June, when discussions first began over taking him to north London.
ReadArsenal previously reported that Arsenal were preparing a pre-contract offer for Bartishvili while several European clubs monitored his situation.
That interest has now progressed.
BBC Sport senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel reports that Arsenal have formally submitted a pre-contract offer for the teenager.
Arsenal move first for Andria Bartishvili
Bartishvili remains under contract with Georgian side FC Kolkheti until the end of 2026 and is currently on loan at Iberia 1999.
Arsenal hope to position themselves ahead of the competition before his existing agreement expires.
Liverpool and Juventus have both been credited with interest, while Bartishvili is yet to make a final decision over his next club.
The teenager has already represented Georgia at Under-21 level despite his age and can operate as an attacking midfielder or from wide areas.
His development has led to comparisons with Paris Saint-Germain star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, although Arsenal’s interest appears to be part of a broader recruitment strategy rather than an immediate first-team solution.
Arsenal have also been aggressive in recruiting elite young talent this summer, including winning the race for Crystal Palace prospect Mylo Bernard.
Bartishvili would represent another attempt to secure talent before his value rises into the senior transfer market.
Andrea Berta’s assistant Maurizio Micheli is also reported to have played an important role in Arsenal’s pursuit. Micheli was part of Napoli’s scouting operation when Kvaratskhelia was identified before his move to Italy.
There is no agreement with Bartishvili yet.
Arsenal have, however, now moved beyond interest and preparations by putting formal terms in front of the Georgian prospect.
The next significant development will be his decision.
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