This situation shouldn't have happened. Teams know we are desperate at this point, the possibility of making a good deal is thin. Marotta works extremely well in anticipation, and extremely poorly in desperation.
When the whole Pogba saga was going on, Marotta should have made his decision then - either signing another midfielder at that time, going decisively for the player they want, or even staying put.
Just shouldn't let Pogba leave to sign the 2nd guy - the first was Pjanic and it was great. But he should've completed the job before. Now we are in an underwhelming position to strengthen our midfield.