I don't think James is that big a player that we should've gone on to pursue him and change our whole system again just to fit him in especially with Dybala here.
He's literally done nothing of note in his Madrid career and been marginalised by his coach for the last two seasons.
4-3-1-2 would've been the only solution with him especially with Dybala around but we don't have the midfield quality like the 2015 team to change to that formation.
I suppose Allegri wants the continuity with the 4-2-3-1.