Leeds United are one of a number of Premier League clubs reportedly interested in signing Divock Origi from AC Milan this summer – and a new deal for Olivier Giroud might have just handed Leeds a boost in their pursuit of Origi.
Origi, 28, has really struggled at Milan since joining the Serie A giants on a free transfer from Liverpool last summer. Having earned iconic status at Anfield, he has failed at Milan – scoring just two goals in 29, starting just eight times.
Milan have an abundance of options in attack. But the feeling was that Giroud, who is now 36, would start to fall down the pecking order – and Origi would take his place. Of course, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still on the Milan books.
But Giroud continues to shine for Milan. He has had a hand in 19 goals in 38 games this term – scoring five goals in the Champions League, with Milan now in the semi-finals after knocking out Napoli. Origi is still warming the bench.
New Olivier Giroud deal hands Leeds a boost in pursuit of Divock Origi
Italian outlet Calcio Mercato claim Leeds, Palace, West Ham and Villa all want to sign Origi this summer. Giroud was out of contract at the end of the season – but Milan have handed him a new deal. Keeping him at Milan until 2024.
So, it means that Origi is set for another season on the bench with Milan keeping Giroud for another year. Surely, Origi – now in the prime years of his career – will have just edged closer to a summer exit with Giroud staying put.
Giroud’s new deal then means Origi is only going to be more convinced of a summer exit from Milan. If he was still eyeing a stay given Giroud’s future, that has now been put to an end. Origi needs to go, because Giroud is staying.
