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.
The number 9 jersey has not yet been filled in the squad and maybe Real Madrid is still keeping this jersey number for an attack that really has the same abilities as the previous wearer. Joselu is not projected for the long term because he was bought only to replace the striker who was vacant in the previous season's transfer window. Joselu's ability has not been able to adapt to the schemes and strategies implemented by Ancelotti because several opportunities he was given failed to be executed as the coach hoped.
Joselu did not come with a purchase but he is only on a season-long loan from Espanyol so in this case it is possible for Ancelotti to still look for a player who fits Madrid's style for the position of pure striker at this time.
Indeed, the presence of Joselu and the other players in the attack for now is still very good but still next season Joselu will already leave and this is quite the right time to find a suitable player according to the criteria of Madrid and Ancelotti.
There is still time for now especially with the current situation for Madrid they can still delay even though the winter transfer is in sight but they can still hold back if they still don't find a suitable candidate for a pure striker but this should not be allowed to drag on because after all their deadline for finding candidates is until the end of this season.