Arsenal dealt major blow as Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams holds talks with two European rivals ahead of potential summer transfer

Arsenal have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Nico Williams after the highly-rated youngster held talks with two European rivals.

The Gunners are looking to bolster their attacking ranks ahead of next season, having seen a shortage of forwards derail their title charge last season.

Williams has long been linked with a move to the Emirates however it seems as though they have fallen behind in the race to sign the Bilbao starlet.

Mail Sport understands that Williams has held talks with both Barcelona and Bayern Munich as he explores a potential move away from Bilbao.

The 22-year-old stamped his mark as one of the most promising wingers in football after starring at Euro 2024 with tournament winners Spain, forming a formidable wing partnership with Lamine Yamal.

Williams is said to be earning around £6.7million per year at Athletic Club, but reports claimed that the Spain international had indicated he will lower his demands to secure a move away.

Arsenal have fallen behind in the race to sign Athletic Bilbao and Spain star Nico WIlliams

Mikel Arteta's side are looking to bolster their attacking options after finishing second

The 22-year-old winger played 45 times in all competitions for Athletic Club last season, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists.

Williams had played a key role in Spain’s European Championships triumph last year, starting six of their seven matches in Germany.

The winger scored Spain’s opening goal in the 2-1 final victory over England in Berlin.

Williams has so far made 28 appearances for the national team and has scored six goals.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid's Rodrygo has also emerged as a top target for the Gunners, who are looking to add firepower to their team.

The Brazilian put big clubs across Europe on alert when he reportedly told Madrid he never wanted to play for them again having refused to feature in last month's El Clasico against Barcelona.

The Brazilian winger was said to be upset about playing a secondary role behind superstar team-mates Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham, and was increasingly warming the bench under Carlo Ancelotti last season.

Los Blancos would demand a significant fee if they are to part ways with Rodrygo, believed to be somewhere in the region of £70m.

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