EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal join race for Georgian wonderkid Saba Kharebashvili

Steve Kay

Updated: 15 Mar 2025 10:32 CDT
3 min read

FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal are keen to secure the signing of Georgian talent Saba Kharebashvili.

We are told that the 16-year-old left-back has caught the eye of Arsenal’s scouting team, who have been closely monitoring his progress in recent months. The Gunners have made inquiries about Kharebashvili and are said to be seriously considering a move for him.

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Sources have told us that representatives are extremely impressed by the club’s approach to youth development, the North London side’s ability to nurture young talent giving them a potential edge in negotiations.

Kharebashvili would be seen as part of Arsenal’s long-term plan at left-back, with Mikel Arteta intending to eventually transition Myles Lewis-Skelly back into midfield where he started his career.

The Dinamo Tbilisi wonderkid made history last summer by becoming the youngest player to feature in a UEFA club competition at just 15 years old. However, signing him may not be straightforward for Arsenal.

Kharebashvili unable to move until 2027

Despite Kharebashvili's camp having been left impressed with Arsenal's project, it is unclear whether signing for an English club would appeal to the teenager at this stage.

This is due to the left-back's age. Kharebashvili does not turn 18 until September 2026, so he would not be able to move to the UK until January 2027. Of course, a transfer could still be done this summer.

North London rivals Tottenham, for example, agreed a deal for then-16-year-old Luka Vuskovic in September 2023. He remained with Hajduk Split and has since been sent out on loan twice. He will finally join Spurs this summer.

Arsenal are far from the only side keeping tabs on Kharebashvili. The precocious talent has been linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid since at least November 2024, while Liverpool were credited with an interest in him more recently.