In June everyone just assumed we will get Locatelli, Allegri came back, Ronaldo is here, we're back where we were when Max left. The hit we took with CR leaving, midfield being even more shit than expected, our results so far and generally the reputation and perception are much lower IMO.
I don't think it's at the level where players would refuse coming because we're sinking or whatever, and we can still make up ground from now on, but I don't think it's reasonable to expect we have an equal chance to sign players of this level, money, hype etc. because they like us when City, PSG, RM come and drop the cash.