The only players that can adequately replace Brozovic are Jorginho and Verratti. But neither make an economic sense.
Locatelli is a gamble.
So were Škriniar, Bastoni, Barella, Lautaro, Icardi, etc.
If anything the last few years we have a much better track record with signing young promising players than stablished players, and Locatelli isn't even that much of a gamble he's already performing at Brozović's level, the only gamble it's can he handle the pressure at Inter.
How much money have we wasted between fees and wages for the likes Godin, Nainggolan, Candreva, Vidal, etc.
I think part of the reason is that we don't go for really top top players but for formerly top players, top players on their last legs, top players coming from off seasons, etc.
For example it kinda worked with Sánchez and Eriksen but it was close to fail with those two too.
Given our we have to gamble a little since we cannot spend €70M or more on players, so I'd rather spend €30-40M on top young players that can probably make the final step.