You don't have to bow down to others' demands while there's talent overseas. If we seriously put down a £85m bid for Fofana, we should be directing that amount to Leipzig & probably have a deal wrapped up.
We signed Cucurella for more than £60 million and could spend up to £85 million on Fofana. What are West Ham going to say if we go after Rice next summer, £150m?
When the likes of City and PSG are turning down deals for high prices, it tells you a lot. There's a big difference between value & plain stupidity.
Talking about deals almost a decade ago is irrelevant.
Also, the second comparison is incorrect - Tiemoué Bakayoko - Transfer history | Transfermarkt (£36m)
Mateo Kovacic - Transfer history | Transfermarkt (£40.50m)