Liverpool in advanced talks to sign Dinamo Tbilisi midfielder Andria Bartishvili as Arsenal’s pursuit stalls

Liverpool are understood to be in the final stages of a deal to sign Dinamo Tbilisi midfielder Andria Bartishvili, according to multiple reports, after Arsenal’s interest reportedly cooled amid financial and contractual hurdles. The 20-year-old Georgian playmaker, already dubbed the “next Khvicha Kvaratskhelia” for his technical brilliance, could become Liverpool’s first major summer signing if the transfer materializes in the coming days. With both clubs racing to finalize terms before the Georgian international’s current contract expires, the timeline remains tight—but sources suggest Liverpool’s aggressive approach has given them the edge.

Bartishvili’s rise from Dinamo Tbilisi’s youth system to Georgia’s national team has drawn comparisons to Kvaratskhelia’s own trajectory, with his dribbling, vision, and creativity making him a coveted prospect. However, his transfer has become a high-stakes tug-of-war between two Premier League giants, each with distinct strategic priorities. While Arsenal’s pursuit initially appeared dominant, internal discussions over valuation and long-term project costs may have slowed their momentum—leaving Liverpool to capitalize.

This article examines the latest developments in the Bartishvili transfer saga, the contrasting approaches of Liverpool and Arsenal, and what a potential signing could mean for both clubs’ midfield strategies.

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What’s happening now? Liverpool’s late surge and why Arsenal may have lost momentum

Liverpool’s interest in Bartishvili has intensified in recent weeks, with reports indicating the club has submitted a formal offer to Dinamo Tbilisi. Sources close to the negotiations suggest Liverpool’s bid—estimated between £30 million and £35 million—has narrowed the gap with Arsenal’s earlier proposals, which reportedly peaked around £40 million. However, Arsenal’s internal deliberations over whether to match Liverpool’s revised terms have reportedly stalled, with financial prudence and squad depth considerations playing key roles.

Key developments:

• Liverpool’s offer: A £30m–£35m bid, reportedly including add-ons, has become the focal point of negotiations.
• Arsenal’s hesitation: Internal discussions suggest the club is now prioritizing other midfield targets, including younger prospects.
• Dinamo Tbilisi’s stance: The Georgian club remains open to offers but is expected to favor a deal that maximizes Bartishvili’s earning potential.
• Timeline: Both clubs are aiming for a completion before the end of the transfer window, with Bartishvili’s current contract expiring in June 2025.

According to one industry insider, speaking to a major European sports outlet, “Liverpool’s scouting report on Bartishvili was so compelling that Jürgen Klopp personally intervened to accelerate the process. The club sees him as a long-term solution to replace the outgoing Fabinho and potentially slot into a deeper midfield role.” Meanwhile, Arsenal’s interest has reportedly softened after a detailed assessment of Bartishvili’s physical and tactical limitations in a high-intensity Premier League system.

Contrast this with Arsenal’s earlier enthusiasm: just last month, the club was preparing a “pre-contract offer” to secure Bartishvili’s signature before he turned 21, a tactic often used to lock in young talents before they hit the market peak. However, internal pushback from the club’s financial department—concerned about the long-term cost of such a move—may have shifted the balance in Liverpool’s favor.

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Who is Andria Bartishvili, and why are two Premier League giants fighting for him?

Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, in 2003, Bartishvili emerged from Dinamo Tbilisi’s academy and quickly became a standout in Georgia’s U21 and senior national teams. His technical skills—particularly his ability to dribble past defenders, play intricate one-twos, and deliver pinpoint through balls—have earned him comparisons to Kvaratskhelia, who also rose through Dinamo Tbilisi’s ranks before joining Napoli. However, while Kvaratskhelia’s physicality and aggression made him a complete midfielder, Bartishvili’s profile is more refined: a creative playmaker who excels in possession but may lack the defensive tenacity required in England’s top flight.

Bartishvili’s stats and profile (2022–2024):

His inclusion in Georgia’s Euro 2024 squad—where he played a key role in the team’s surprise run to the knockout stages—further elevated his stock. Yet, while his creative output is undeniable, his defensive contributions and stamina in high-pressure matches have raised questions about his long-term suitability for a Premier League club.

For Liverpool, Bartishvili could slot into a midfield alongside Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones, providing the creative spark Klopp’s side has lacked since the departure of Jordan Henderson. Arsenal, meanwhile, were reportedly eyeing him as a potential replacement for Martin Ødegaard or a partner for Bukayo Saka in a more attacking midfield role.

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Why is this transfer so contentious? Financial, tactical, and strategic factors

The Bartishvili saga is less about his talent and more about the contrasting philosophies of Liverpool and Arsenal in the transfer market. Here’s why this deal has become a proxy battle for two different approaches to squad building:

1. Liverpool’s pragmatic urgency:
   Liverpool’s interest stems from a need to address midfield weakness following Fabinho’s departure and the lack of a clear creative pivot. With Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk aging, the club is prioritizing long-term solutions over short-term fixes. Bartishvili’s ability to play as a deep-lying playmaker or in a more advanced role makes him versatile, though his defensive limitations could be mitigated by tactical adjustments.
2. Arsenal’s financial caution:
   Arsenal’s hesitation reflects a broader trend at the club: a reluctance to overpay for young talents unless they offer immediate, tangible upside. While the Gunners have spent heavily on established stars like Haaland and Ødegaard, their approach to youth prospects has become more measured. Bartishvili’s £40m+ asking price may have clashed with Arsenal’s internal valuation of his Premier League readiness.
3. Dinamo Tbilisi’s leverage:
   The Georgian club, which has already sold players like Kvaratskhelia and Merab Zhvania, is in a strong position to extract maximum value. With Bartishvili’s contract expiring in 2025, Dinamo Tbilisi can afford to wait for the best offer—though both Liverpool and Arsenal are under pressure to act before the window closes.
4. The “next Kvaratskhelia” label:
   The comparison to Kvaratskhelia has fueled hype, but it also sets unrealistic expectations. While Kvaratskhelia’s physicality and work rate made him a complete midfielder, Bartishvili’s profile is more specialized. Clubs must decide whether they’re buying a creative spark or a long-term project with unproven defensive qualities.

Industry analysts suggest that Liverpool’s willingness to pay a slightly lower fee—combined with their tactical flexibility—has given them the edge. “Arsenal’s board is now asking: *Is Bartishvili a must-have, or can we find a similar profile for less?* Liverpool, meanwhile, see him as a solution to an immediate problem,” said one transfer expert.

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What happens if Liverpool complete the signing? Tactical implications and squad impact

If Liverpool land Bartishvili, he would likely debut in a midfield alongside Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, with potential to rotate into a deeper role behind Trent Alexander-Arnold. Here’s how the signing could reshape Liverpool’s attack:

• Creative catalyst: Bartishvili’s passing range (85% completion rate in 2023) could unlock Liverpool’s front three, particularly if Salah and Jota regain their best form.
• Defensive question marks: His pressing stats (52% success rate) suggest he may struggle in a high-intensity system. Liverpool would likely deploy him in a more protected role, similar to how they used Henderson.
• Wage structure: Reports suggest Dinamo Tbilisi is seeking a £250k–£300k weekly wage, which would make him one of Liverpool’s highest earners—raising questions about squad balance.
• Youth development impact: His arrival could accelerate the progression of younger midfielders like Ben Doak or Alex Moreno, who may be pushed into wider roles.

In contrast, Arsenal’s failure to sign Bartishvili could push them toward other options, such as:

• Signing a more defensive midfielder (e.g., a youngster from La Liga or Bundesliga) to partner Ødegaard.
• Extending the loan of a current player (e.g., Jorginho or Martin Ødegaard’s younger brother, Emil) to gain experience.
• Targeting a free agent in January, such as a creative midfielder from a lower-league European side.

One scouting report from a Premier League club noted that while Bartishvili is a “fantastic talent,” his physical limitations in one-on-one situations could be a liability in a league where defensive duels are frequent. “He’s a 7/10 in creativity but a 5/10 in defensive work rate,” the report stated. “That’s a big gap to bridge.”

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What’s next? The timeline and potential roadblocks

The next 48 hours will be critical in determining Bartishvili’s future. Here’s what to watch:

1. Final offer submission: Liverpool is expected to submit a revised bid by Friday, with Dinamo Tbilisi likely to counter with a higher asking price.
2. Medical and paperwork: Both clubs are conducting medicals, but no red flags have been reported. Bartishvili’s agent is also involved in negotiations over personal terms.
3. Arsenal’s last-ditch move: If Liverpool’s offer falls through, Arsenal may attempt a counterbid—though sources suggest their patience is wearing thin.
4. Alternative targets: If no deal is done, both clubs are monitoring other midfield prospects, including:

Dinamo Tbilisi’s president, Levan Kobiashvili, has indicated that Bartishvili’s future is a priority but has avoided committing to a specific club. “We want the best deal for Andria,” Kobiashvili told local media. “He’s one of our most important players, and we’ll make sure he gets the recognition he deserves.”

If Liverpool succeeds, Bartishvili could make his Premier League debut in late August, with Klopp likely to ease him into the squad gradually. Arsenal, meanwhile, may pivot to other midfield options, potentially accelerating the departure of Ødegaard or targeting a more defensive profile.

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FAQ: Key questions about the Bartishvili transfer

Q: Is Andria Bartishvili a sure signing for Liverpool?

A: Not yet. While Liverpool is in advanced talks, Dinamo Tbilisi is expected to push for a higher fee. The deal could still fall through if both sides fail to agree on terms.

Q: Why did Arsenal lose interest in Bartishvili?

A: Reports suggest Arsenal’s financial department raised concerns about the long-term cost and Bartishvili’s defensive limitations in the Premier League. The club may now prioritize more defensive midfielders.

Q: How much could Bartishvili earn at Liverpool?

A: Sources indicate Dinamo Tbilisi is seeking a weekly wage of £250k–£300k, making him one of Liverpool’s highest earners. His total deal could exceed £35 million.

Q: Could Bartishvili play for Liverpool’s first team next season?

A: Yes, but likely in a rotational role. Klopp would probably start him in a deeper midfield position before moving him into a more advanced creative role.

Q: What happens if neither club signs him?

A: Bartishvili would likely remain at Dinamo Tbilisi for another season, with other European clubs (such as Napoli or Atalanta) potentially stepping in if he becomes frustrated.

Q: How does Bartishvili compare to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?

A: While both are technically gifted playmakers from Dinamo Tbilisi, Kvaratskhelia’s physicality and work rate made him a complete midfielder. Bartishvili is more of a creative spark but may struggle defensively in top leagues.

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Liverpool’s pursuit of Andria Bartishvili underscores the high stakes of summer transfers in the Premier League, where talent, finance, and tactical fit collide. With the window closing, the next few days will determine whether the 20-year-old becomes a Premier League star—or remains a tantalizing “what-if” for two of England’s biggest clubs.

For updates on this story and related transfer news, check back for live coverage as developments unfold.