The idea that Pep has to bring in 7 - 9 new players for Man-City to click is ridiculous. Of Pep's purchases... Bravo and Nolito have had no impact at all, Stone is not as reliable yet and for Gundogan... injuries have not given him a chance to be a pivotal player. IMO, Pep as a manager has to be a bit flexible in how he can get the best of the squad he has with a bit of changes, not anything as radical as is being suggested.
Actually if Man City wants to be a dominant force in the EPL and the rest of Europe he has to bring in the best players. The City squad right now isn't good enough obviously. And for what Pep wants to do and to happen, he needs quality players. Player acquisitions can be done in multiple transfer windows. And with the EPL having the most demanding schedule compared to the other leagues, a good EPL team should have a squad deep enough in order to endure the said demanding schedule and also to have a good rotation of players.