To answer the initial question of this thread, I think we have already replaced Bale with Chadli.
No one has yet denied the rumours from RM and Bale was apparently fit to play today. Frankly I would be gutted if he went, but that would be my heart speaking. My head would say, at £80M, we could buy 3 great players and not only fill the gaps, but make a statement of intend to challenge the so called "big3" and leave the Arse in our wake!
All rumours have some truth in them and a few good names are linked with us atm. Will we ever get a better opportunity to strengthen the squad?
Who is to say that Bale would have another great season and still retain this high value? In fact some papers are quoting £100M. Ridiculous! In any event, no player is worth that kind of money and assuming that someone like RM is prepared to pay it, then who would blame Levy for grabbing it with both hands. Not me!