It is flat out frustrating. Our rivals spend more on individual stars, and we're a bigger club.
Imagine if Juventus were to combined Marotta's thriftiness with a willingness to spend money when it matters. Low balling is good when you have leverage, Marotta has none, yet he still approaches with stupid offers. It is literally the same thing as trying to order oil at 20 bucks lower than the current spot price. If there is no leverage, global football is so competitive that a bid is futile unless competitive.