We HAVE 5 CMs... Sadly lacking in form and fitness, but it's not a "without" period at all.
Blame the gaffer/scouts if you must but I flat out dont believe Levy set out to spend zero money in the summer.
Let's not pretend Grielish @40m (alone) would have satiated the hoard's appetite for transfers either.
Kid is a 'shine 1 in 5' player at championship level. We're not in this situ cos Levy didn't overspend on JG and that's what you seem to be implying at this point.
I don't consider Grealish a CM. He's an attacking mid.
I'm talking about somebody like Diawara, Ndombele, De Jong, etc.
And yes, if hardly any CM's are fit or in form, we are "without".