I think, as usual, we are ignoring wages in this whole discussion, which seems to be much more important to our owners. Granted, it's only half the financial picture in terms of a player's cost, but on internet forums and in the media you generally only see people concerned with the fee paid, and almost no mention of the wages.
If we're sticking strictly to fees paid, then I think we'll see relatively big money splashed on a new right winger/wing forward to play opposite Downing. Someone with pace, probably under the age of 23. Then perhaps a DM, and perhaps another option at striker. Honestly, I'm not sure we need much more than that. We have some really good players in the reserves who are getting close to the first team. Assuming the big money Kuyt replacement is going to cost 25 million, that would mean probably another 10 million on the DM and perhaps the same on a striker. Total of 45 million spent, and honestly, I'm not even sure we'll be spending that amount. Talk of 80 million is utter nonsense.
More important to the owners will be getting players like Aquilani and Cole off the books for good, and whatever part of their wages we're still paying. If we can free up some wage money it will make a big difference in the quality of players we'll be in for in the summer.