It's an intriguing situation.
I've never felt we have a shot at the league title, but our morale and progress have been buoyed by Arteta insisting on very high standards and ambitions. A less than committed response from KSE and our leadership team in the transfer market might be a signal of weakness that disproportionately affects us.
A signing like Mudryk or Embolo (or anyone) will not solve the problem of Jesus's absence. Seems there's basically no player we can sign who replaces him like for like? But I think we need a statement signing either way to kick on and preserve the charismatic, joyous momentum we've had this season.