Barcelona close to deal for Arsenal's Jesus

Arsenal emerged victorious in their pursuit of 17-year-old attacking midfielder Andria Bartishvili, outpacing rivals Liverpool and other European clubs. The young Georgian talent is expected to join the London-based team in March 2027, after he turns 18. UK regulations prohibit Arsenal from bringing him to England before then. The transfer is reportedly a five-year deal, valued at approximately €4.5 million. A medical examination for Bartishvili is scheduled for Tuesday, September 1.

Talks for the young player commenced two months ago, with Bartishvili currently on loan at Iberia 1999 from Kolkheti Poti. His loan agreement is set to conclude at the end of the Georgian season in December, as Georgian football follows a calendar-year calendar. A pre-contract offer was presented to Bartishvili last week, though it remained uncertain whether he would choose Arsenal at that time, as other clubs like Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus had also expressed interest.

Arsenal's efforts have evidently paid off, as the young midfielder has scored two goals and provided three assists in 24 appearances for Iberia 1999. All five of those goals have come since he started playing regularly at the beginning of May.