Milan ‘regret’ snubbing Arsenal deal before signing Divock Origi from Liverpool

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Divock Origi is struggling at AC Milan and the Serie A champions ‘regret’ signing the former Liverpool hero over then-Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette last summer, according to Calciomercato. 

With Milan looking to bring in an experienced centre-forward on a free transfer, their sights eventually narrowed upon two departing Premier League hitmen. Origi on one hand. Lacazette on the other. 

And, if head coach Stefano Pioli could roll back the clock, Milan may make a different decision with hindsight on their side. Lacazette, rising to Lyon’s rescue with a stunning cameo display in the recent 3-3 draw with Lille, took his tally to 20 goals for the season. One more than he will become the all-time record goalscorer in OL history. 

Origi, in contrast, could make ‘history’ for all the wrong reasons at the San Siro. The Belgian benchwarmer has never been the most prolific of players but, even still, a tally of two goals in 24 games is a major disappointment for a man who – while technically arriving on a free – could set Milan back around £14 million over the duration of his contract. 

‘The Origi operation is currently considered to be an economic failure’, Calciomercato say. Milan, the report adds, ‘regret’ choosing the one-time Wolfsburg loanee over the Lyon talisman. 

AC Milan signed Divock Origi from Liverpool

Milan were offered the opportunity to sign Lacazette when leaving Arsenal a year go. They said ‘no’, Origi arriving instead in early July. 

“(Origi) arrived with a wealth of experience. But, to date, he has failed,” Calciomercato add; the striker labelled an even greater disappointment than the £30 million Charles de Ketelaere.

“His contribution is almost nil. The former Liverpool player was hired to be a starter. To date he is not even remotely close to being one. He is a flop.”

Former Liverpool ace Steve Nicol, meanwhile, cannot understand why – after so many years as a reserve at Anfield – Origi opted for a Milan side who were also in no position to offer guaranteed first-team football.

“I mean, seriously. What is wrong with this guy?” Nicol asks ESPN. 

“Does he just like being on the bench everywhere he goes? He’s on the bench for Belgium, he’s on the bench for Liverpool and now he’s on the bench for Milan. Does he just like being on the bench?”