Under Pardew and McClaren yes, but not under Rafa who is someone world renowned for improving players and winning big honours. Like with KK and Sir Bobby, I'm confident when Rafa speaks to a potential signing, he can sell the club and his ideas and make that player want to join because its a good fit. I mean he has managed to get Ashley to loosen his grip on all things the club.
This. The difference now isn't just an increase in wages, it's joining the project Rafa is selling to these players and determining if these are the right characters who will pull on the shirt and be worthy of it.