It is a basic feature of capitalism that in times of crisis the well-run, the fortunate and the wealthy feast upon those who are struggling. Romelu Lukaku has thrived over the past two seasons at Inter Milan, blossoming from an often ungainly and intermittently brilliant striker into perhaps the best orthodox center forward in the world. After helping Inter to a first Serie A title in 11 years last season, he had no great desire to leave.
But wider economic forces are at work. Inter had no choice but to reduce its debt, and the easiest way to do that is to sell its best players, including Lukaku to Chelsea for a reported fee of €115 million ($135 million).