Napoli have entered the winter transfer market with urgency after injuries to Kevin De Bruyne and Zambo Anguissa forced Antonio Conte to rethink his midfield structure. Feyenoord captain Quinten Timber has emerged as a prime target, with his contract running down and multiple clubs circling. But Napoli now face fierce competition from Arsenal, where his twin brother Jurrien Timber already plays.
Why Napoli are eyeing a winter move for Timber
According to CalcioNapoli24, Napoli’s interest in Timber comes at a moment of necessity and opportunity. The injuries to Kevin De Bruyne and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa have left glaring gaps in Antonio Conte’s midfield which he has centred around power, transitions and constant vertical threat. Conte’s teams are at their best when the midfield can win duels, initiate forward bursts, and maintain tactical discipline, and Timber fits that profile with remarkable precision.
Timber’s blend of physicality, technical comfort and relentless work rate is exactly what Napoli currently lack. His ability to tackle high up the pitch, break lines with confident passing, and contribute directly to goals makes him a rare multi-phase midfielder. In Feyenoord’s title-winning seasons, he excelled in both defensive recoveries and attacking progression, ranking among the best in Europe in attacking. Conte sees him as the ideal player to restore balance in a midfield disrupted by injuries, capable of playing as a box-to-box engine, an aggressive ball-winner or even a third man arriving late in transitions.
Most importantly, his contract expiry in 2026 gives Napoli a strategic advantage. Feyenoord cannot afford to lose their captain for free next summer, making January the most realistic window for a deal.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportQuinten Timber's rise to prominence
Timber’s rise has been steady, substantial and built on consistent excellence. Since signing for Feyenoord in July 2022 for a club-record €8.5 million, he has transformed into one of the Eredivisie’s standout midfielders. His breakout came in the 2022–23 season, where he became central to Feyenoord’s first league title in six years. He scored his first goal soon after arrival, and by the following campaign, his contributions soared with him directly involved in 16 goals in 2023–24.
His maturity was rewarded in 2024 when he was appointed club captain. Even after a knee injury in 2025, his pre-injury form kept him firmly on the radar of Europe’s elite. His defensive numbers place him among the top percentile for tackles and interceptions, while his passing security and ball progression have made him indispensable for Feyenoord’s build-up.
This explains why clubs across Europe, including Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, West Ham, Manchester United and now Napoli and Arsenal, are pushing to secure him.
Arsenal's interest in Timber and why Napoli needs to act decisively
Arsenal’s interest in Timber adds a compelling twist to the transfer chase. Mikel Arteta has been tracking him closely, attracted to his intelligence in possession and comfort playing multiple midfield roles. What strengthens Arsenal’s position is the presence of his twin brother, Jurrien, who has already integrated seamlessly into Arteta’s system. The prospect of reuniting at a club known for developing young talent is naturally an emotional and attractive factor for Quinten, and Arsenal are well aware of the pull this creates.
But Arsenal’s midfield is stacked with competition with Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimeni and Mikel Merino all competing for central spots. Timber may be used primarily as a rotation option in Arteta’s possession system, gradually adjusting to the speed and physicality of the Premier League. Yet the pathway to consistent starts would be slow and heavily dependent on adaptation.
This is where Napoli hold an advantage. Serie A’s tactical environment suits Timber’s development, and Conte is prepared to make him an immediate starter due to the injury crisis and the demands of the system. Napoli can offer guaranteed minutes, a defined role, and the chance to play Champions League football while becoming a central pillar in a title-chasing side.
Getty ImagesAn important winter market for Napoli
The January window will be pivotal for Napoli as they attempt to reinforce their squad and sustain their Serie A title defence. Timber is a priority, but Conte’s plans extend well beyond midfield. Injuries to key figures have exposed depth issues, particularly in defence, where the absence of Alessandro Buongiorno has forced tactical reshuffles, and at right-back, where Napoli are pushing hard for Sevilla’s Juanlu Sanchez. A new centre-back and full-back remain essential to stabilise the back line.
With 22 points from their first 11 league matches this season, Napoli stand 4th and two points behind the top spot. But to stay competitive, Conte’s January decisions will shape the club’s trajectory for the rest of the campaign.