Queens Park Rangers join Metz in the chase of Gijon’s Jonathan Varane | OneFootball

Coming through Lens’ academy just like his older brother Raphael, Jonathan Varane (22) could return to France, as FC Metz have set their sights on the French midfielder. However, the Ligue 2 side faces fierce competition from Queens Park Rangers, who have already submitted a first proposal to Gijon, according to L’Equipe.

Relegated to Ligue 2 following a defeat in the playoffs against AS Saint-Etienne, Metz are looking to strengthen their squad with the aim of taking the league by storm and coming straight back to Ligue 1, just like AJ Auxerre and Angers did last season. With Kévin N’Doram (28) having left the club following his contract expiry, Les Grenats are now in search of a new midfielder and are targeting Varane, who came off an inconsistent season with La Liga 2’s Sporting Gijon.

Advantage QPR for Varane

The 22-year-old midfielder has never managed to climb his manager’s pecking order since his arrival from Lens in the summer of 22, playing 40 games across both seasons. In 2023-24, while Gijon managed to qualify for the promotion playoffs before failing against Espanyol Barcelone, Varane enjoyed only five starts out of the 22 games he took part in, playing a nominal 702 minutes in total. Sporadic gametime, but enough to gather interest from both France and England. According to L’Equipe, Championship’s side Queens Park Rangers could have the edge on Varane’s deal, as they have submitted a €1.2M proposal to Gijon, with bonuses and a future sale percentage. Having to deal with a restricted budget due to the TV rights turmoil and their relegation to Ligue 2, Metz could have difficulties challenging QPR’s offer.

GFFN l Grégoire Devaux