Leeds United ‘could afford’ to sign Arsenal star’s brother instead of Habib Diarra

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The main midfield target for Leeds this summer is proving to be Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra.

Diarra has been the name on the Whites’ lips when it comes to signing a new box-to-box midfielder.

The 21-year-old has captained Strasbourg at such a young age and heavily impressed for Senegal vs England.

There is plenty of talent with the prospect, as Leeds are in ‘negotiations’ with Diarra, as Fabrizio Romano provided the major update.

But with plenty of competition, such as Atletico Madrid’s interest in Diarra, there could be another option on the table for Leeds and Daniel Farke.

Habib Diarra alternative suggested for Leeds United

It’s been made clear that midfield improvement is needed for Farke, as there is also now potential for Gustavo Hamer to join on the cheap.

To sign both Diarra and Hamer would be an extraordinary leap towards achieving safety in the Premier League this season.

But there is a reality that a deal for Diarra might not come to fruition, and alternatives will have to be considered.

A player who shares similarities with Diarra as an all-round box-to-box midfielder is Feyenoord’s Quinten Timber, who is the brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien.

Timber has spent his whole career in the Netherlands, and certainly fits the same sort of criteria in terms of Diarra’s qualities, judging by his ball-winning and endurance.

The reason why an opinion can be formed for the Dutchman is due to his knee injury, which he sustained in February, which kept him out for the rest of the season.

Due to this, his value has likely dropped, and he has entered the last year of his contract as well, so Feyenoord could be looking to sell.

Different options have to be taken into account, and LeedsUnited.News asked transfer expert Graeme Bailey if someone like Timber could be a substitute for Diarra if they fail to get a deal over the line.

“Do you know, I think Leeds would do awfully well to get Timber. I’m not saying it wouldn’t happen, but I’d be surprised if Leeds were able to get him,” Bailey said.

“He’s a very good midfielder, he’d be exactly what you want. But it would be a big ask for Leeds to get him.

“Forest have looked at him, Liverpool considered him before signing Gravenberch. He’s had top 10 Premier League clubs looking at him, but Leeds could afford him. He would probably cost less than £30m.”

READ MORE: German media concerned one club could lose two players after Leeds United come calling

How Leeds target Diarra and potential alternative Timber compare

Of course, this is only an opinion as no concrete links have been built up between the Dutchman and the club, but it’s clear to see why he could be an alternative.

Diarra is an all-action midfielder, so it’s difficult to find a similar player with Timber an option of few, but the resemblance is certainly there.

Judging by Diarra’s move now progressing, this might not have to be the case, but the 49ers will have to plan efficiently.

After Premier League clubs have shown interest in Timber previously, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he were to be sold on, especially with his deal coming to an end.