The challenge is our finances are no longer public post KSE's takeover, which does make it harder to comprehend. Swiss Ramble has also previously highlighted the role of amortization of the cost of a signing & their wages over the life of the contract, so a 40m signing on 5m a year over 4 years actually only costs us 15m this year, with the remaining 15m per year spread over the next 3 years after that.
All of this means in my opinion that the numbers are hyperbolic really.
We all know the club has some challenges financially by still being in Europa, a huge over inflated wage bill, and a lack of transfer revenue with key assets leaving on free's or costing us more money through trades (Sanchez). But equally are known to have healthy cash reserves, and a brand new kit deal which helps a lot - both in terms of revenue from Adidas but also given the volume of shirts we'll likely sell it'll probably lift a little too.
I think the Saliba signing indicates we'll likely keep Koscielny for another season, and he becomes the natural replacement in a years time when his contract is up. Still hoping we sell Mustafi and replace him.
Ultimately though the shopping list still has us needing a CB, LB, RB, CM, AM/Winger. I'd love to see us spend the money on Ziyech given he's only 35m.
We also need to sell/move on Mustafi, one of Mhiki or Ozil, Elneny, Jenkinson, Asano, and hopefully Kolasinac.