I agree, but it was a priority - and we have failed in that priority.
It isn't for a lack of trying, and it's all our fault, but ultimately it's the financial restraitns that are costing us that.
We went for MGW - a versatile attacker who played CF for Sheff Utd. Wolves wanted £20m up front. That would have pretty much decimated our budget had we paid it.
We want (maybe still want) Cornet, but again, Burnley are - fairly enough - wanting a lot fo money up front. This is speculated that it is because Burnley owe Lyon money still, so need to pay that off and get some cash in for themselves. With McNeil, they were willing to accept a very lenient breakdown of the fee. I was told it was an initial £3.5m. The Athletic have reported today that it's 'below £5m'. Either way, it suited what we could afford and we've replaced Richarlison's 'creativity' if nothing else with him.
We hold, and have held all summer, an interest in Dennis. But again, perhaps Watford are just wanting too much as a downpayment. We also want Broja, which has been made very clear all summer. But the ball is in Chelsea's court and unfortunately they are going to take their time as their business is nowhere near done.
None of the above is a defence of the club. IMO they should have been more proactive in getting a player from elsewhere in Europe that could have come in and played across the front line. But people also need to realise we are not in a position where we can spend £15-20m on a 'back up' striker. We need any player we spend money on to not only be a back up, but also a genuine option for other areas of the pitch too, because we're so weak in the squad.
It's incredibly frustrating, and now, as I keep saying, the club probably have to bite the bullet and push for a forward. But that might well mean we can't go and get other targets, unless we ship out 3-4 players. I'm hoping they manage it, but it's not going to be easy.
