The latest shot in Chelsea's ongoing civil war has been fired, with a remarkable new claim pointing to the potential genesis of the break down in relations between the Blues' most prominent owners began to break down.
Bloomberg revealed earlier this month that majority shareholders Clearlake Capital want to buy out their fellow owner Todd Boehly and increase their stake in the club to at least 75 per cent.
The outlet reported that Boehly was examining whether it would be possible to take 61.5 per cent shareholder Clearlake out, amid claims the relationship between him and frontman Behdad Eghbali had broken down.
The days that have followed have seen a war of words, claims and counter claims by the respective parties as they have attempted to strengthen their positions. Another such accusation has come to light, reported in the Guardian, who say that confidence in Boehly was undermined during the first transfer window after the takeover.
The American had initially been installed as interim sporting director and according to the report, Clearlake believe he was taken advantage during negotiations with agents.
Todd Boehly oversaw a chaotic first transfer window as interim sporting director after he and Clearlake bought Chelsea
This includes a claim that one signing was 'essentially allowed to decide his wage.'
Chelsea's radical approach to recruitment to recruitment has been a major topic of discussion since Boehly-Clearlake purchased the side in 2022.
The Blues have spent more than £1billion on new recruits, many of whom have been handed unusually long terms to minimise the cost in their accounting. Results on the pitch are yet to reflect the huge amount spent.
Last week, The Times reported that differences erupted between the two warring factions when discussions were hold over whether to keep Pochettino in charge or sack him, with Boehly trying to convince others to keep the Argentine.
Boehly publicly backed Pochettino keeping his position after a tricky first campaign in the Premier League.
He eventually parted ways by mutually agreeing to terminate his contract after just one season, with the Blues later deciding to appoint former Leicester City coach Enzo Maresca as his successor.
Clearlake Capital deciders were reportedly convinced by Chelsea's sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart - who produced a document on sacking Pochettino after just 10 months - much to Boehly's dismay.
50-year-old Boehly has been the face of Chelsea that was formerly represented by ex-owner Roman Abramovich, who oversaw the club's greatest period of success prior to being forced to sell after the UK Government imposed restrictions amidst Russia's invasion of Ukraine.