ARSENAL and Juventus are battling it out for Georgian wonderkid Andria Bartishvili.
The forward, 17, has been tipped as a future star and likened to Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
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Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is targeting young talent this summer Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia set the Champions League alight this year for PSG Credit: Getty
Bartishvili currently plays for Georgian side FC Kolkheti but is expected to secure a move away.
Arsenal are currently in the middle of an aggressive recruitment drive at academy level and are keen on the teenager.
Juventus are fans of him as well, though, and have watched him in action over the past 12 months.
Arsenal’s interest in Bartishvili comes after Maurizio Micheli joined their recruitment team in the middle of last season.
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Micheli is regarded as one of the game’s best talent-spotters and is credited for being the scout that unearthed Kvaratskhelia.
Bartishvili will hope to follow in his footsteps by landing a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Georgia head coach Willy Sagnol said earlier this month: “I watched the youth team play, Bartishvili is a very talented player.
“However, for a talented player to take a step forward in his career, technique alone is not enough.
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“The right mindset is needed, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is an example of this.
“Hopefully, Andria and the other young players will continue to work and develop to become great players in the future.”
Arsenal are determined to bolster their academy teams this summer after some poor results at youth level.
The Gunners are pushing to sign Leicester City forward Jeremy Monga and Tottenham defender Elijah Upson.
Deals are already in place for Ecuadorian twins Edwin and Holger Quintero – and Irish midfielder Victor Ozhianvuna – to join next year.
