Yes, Real Madrid still needs a number 9 player, because Joselu performance is not very satisfactory. On the other side, the current rumors are that Real Madrid will recruit Mbappe in this winter transfer window. Hopefully Real Madrid offer to Mbappe is true and not just a rumor, to sharpen the attack line Real Madrid must immediately recruit him. But Real Madrid plans are quite good, they have secured the services of talented wonderkid Endrick Felipe in the new season and that young man will play for Real Madrid at next.
If Real Madrid succeeds in strengthen their attack line with a suitable player to be positioned at the number nine to get a perfect striking force then definitely the balance of the team will be such that they will have a very formidable strength across Europe and every other team who will be facing them in any fixture thereafter will need an extra effort to win them.
The rumours about mbappe's deal currently still remains speculative because neither parties are yet to give a public stands on the present or current situation of the deal, this includes the fact that mbappe is yet to give a solid stand on his move to Madrid yet neither has Madrid made it known officially if they will still be continuing with the de or not. The impact of mbappe on Real Madrid as anticipated by everyone can't be overly emphasized as it's obvious and that's why the team did all they could at some point to getting the deal pull through.