Not quite the same Phil. Chelsea tried to cherry pick Stones and we absolutely pissed ourselves laughing at them. Their rival came in, spunked an overpriced amount of dollar to us and we gladly booted him down the m62.
In the grand scheme of things we will always be able to do that to the likes of any premier league club. If they want Lukaku, they can have him for an overpriced 80m+.
We may not be able to attract top players yet mate, or pay them the same wages as smaller clubs than ourselves with sugar daddies, but we can certainly hold onto our players for as long as required or until a bid comes in that makes sound business sense.
All the players in the Chelsea squad now, honestly ( I can't think off the top of my head ), have they signed anyone where they have had to compete for the signature against the big boys of football? I can't remember. I remember Spurs and the rs wanting Willian, the rs wanting Costa ( not big boys of football compared to the proper massive sides )
They are big spenders but not one of the big players imo mate