If Rafa thought that highly of him, he'd find the players to surround him. Strikers are the most expensive commodities to buy, why would you get rid of one you rate?
Essentially need three new players to accomodate one, when he could find one new player to accomodate what he already has. If he’s got a limited budget (which we know he has), that approach makes sense.
it's pure pragmatism from Rafa, which we need given his financial constraints.