Joselu made it clear that he didn't come to Real Madrid to replace Benzema but to enjoy football. Real Madrid's inability to sign a natural striker has put more responsibility on the 34-year Spaniard. We might say that his performance so far cannot be compared with make Benzema made in the club but he has also been a great help to the club. He has been involved in some goals and has also created some assists. Benzema came to Madrid as a young striker and gradually improved in his performance, on the contrary, Joselu has somehow passed the prime of his career which means that Madrid needs to get a young traditional number nine.
Joselu must come to Real Madrid to be the main striker of Real Madrid. I think it is impossible if he doesn't want to replace the role of Benzema. Unfortunately, he has tried to be the main striker of Real Madrid in some matches but he failed to convince Ancelotti. One of the lack ability of Joselu is he missed too many chances to score goals. His accuracy is still not suitable for the main striker of Real Madrid.
Sure, Joselu has scored some goals and few assists. In La Liga, he scored 8 goals and 2 assists in 27 appearances. It is still far from the expectation of Real Madrid management, that's why he is rarely in the starting lineup. I guess Joselu will be set as a substituted striker in Real Madrid team.
Real Madrid management certainly has considerations about making Joselu status permanent from Espanyol, it is true that he has helped Real Madrid front line a lot thanks to a number of goals and assists. He is no longer young, so the situation may be a little difficult to get a permanent contract from Real Madrid. If Mbappe officially joins, there is a possibility that Joselu will be returned to his parent club.