Mauricio Pochettino's shock Chelsea sacking is believed to have sparked a 'power struggle' inside the club that has ignited discussion over future sales of shares, according to reports.
The Blues have been a huge disruptor in the transfer market since co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali were backed by American investment firm Clearlake Capital in 2022.
Since then they have spent over £1billion on hauling in new recruits during a volatile reign that has seen four different permanent managers take charge of a young and overcrowded squad.
Results on the pitch are yet to reflect the huge amount spent and now a debate is arising over the relationship between the two co-owners growing increasingly strained.
Differences erupted when discussions were hold over whether to keep Pochettino in charge or sack him, with Boehly having to go against others in trying to convince them to keep the Argentine, as reported by The Times.
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly (pictured) is believed to have wanted to keep Mauricio Pochettino in charge
Pochettino was sacked at the end of his first season at the club after a tricky campaign
The relationship between Boehly and fellow co-owner Behdad Eghbali (left) is reportedly becoming strained
The American is an ever-present figure at Stamford Bridge in the executive boxes and 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 former represented by ex-owner Roman Abramovich who oversaw the club's greatest-ever period of success prior to being forced to sell after the UK Government imposed restrictions amidst Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Now there are suggestions that Boehly and Eghbali both want to buy each other's shares to gain a greater controlling portion. Mail Sport previously revealed that Clearlake Capital have no intention of selling their stake.
Clearlake own a 61.5 per cent majority in Chelsea, but all key decisions are made as a collective process between a group of four main investors.
Chelsea sporting directors Paul Winstanley (right) and Laurence Stewart (middle) reportedly wanted Pochettino gone
Boehly (left) regularly attends Chelsea matches at Stamford Bridge to keep a close eye on things
Pochettino had initially signed a two-year deal at the club that was later cut short
The previous announcement that Pochettino would no longer play a part in the club's future initially stunned the club's fanbase and split opinions with many believing the former Spurs boss hadn't been given enough time.
The 52-year-old was linked with taking over at Manchester United before Erik ten Hag signed a new deal and Pochettino later made the surprise decision to become the new head coach of the United States men's team.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have started the new season strongly, recording one, one loss and a draw in their three opening Premier League wins before the international break.
They return to action with a trip to Bournemouth on Saturday evening.