Premier League side Brentford are reportedly setting their sights on a January move for Feyenoord midfielder Quinten Timber, who happens to be the twin brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber.
The Timber Twins' Diverging Paths
While Jurrien Timber has established himself as a key figure for Mikel Arteta's Arsenal after recovering from a serious ACL injury, his brother Quinten has been impressing in the Netherlands. Jurrien, 24, has become one of the league's standout defenders this season, contributing three goals and three assists from right-back and is a certainty for the Netherlands' World Cup squad next summer.
His identical twin, Quinten, is also enjoying an excellent campaign. Playing under manager Robin van Persie, he has helped Feyenoord to second place in the Eredivisie and has registered seven goal contributions in 22 games this term from a defensive midfield role.
Brentford's Midfield Reinforcements
According to Sky Sports, Brentford have identified strengthening their defensive midfield as their primary objective for the upcoming transfer window. The Bees are planning for the future, with Vitaly Janelt expected to leave when his contract expires next summer and other options like Jordan Henderson ageing.
Quinten Timber, also 24, is a player they 'particularly like' as a long-term solution. His current contract with Feyenoord is set to expire at the end of the season, which could facilitate a move. While other names, such as PSV's Joey Veerman, have been on their shortlist, recent reports suggest Veerman has agreed to join Fenerbahce.
A Potential Sibling Showdown in London
Should the transfer be completed in January, a fascinating family face-off could occur swiftly. Brentford are scheduled to host Arsenal in a Premier League London derby on February 12. This would pit the Timber twins against each other in a competitive match for the first time in England.
Quinten, a product of the Feyenoord academy who rejoined the club in 2022, was part of their Eredivisie and KNVB Cup double-winning side in the 2023/24 season under then-manager Arne Slot. With Dutch football currently on its winter break, he won't play again until mid-January, potentially allowing transfer discussions to progress.
Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber could feature for Arsenal in their Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.
