Frank Lampard wanted to sign James Tarkowski for Chelsea but was prevented because of a deteriorated relationship with Marina Granovskaia.
The Athletic reported that Lampard was eager to sign the Burnley defender as part of his defensive overhaul but was met with resistance by the Chelsea director.
This was given as one of several reasons behind Lampard’s sacking, which was confirmed by the club after tales of his departure were seeped out by the media.
Lampard wanted to make room for Tarkoswki and his number one target Declan Rice by removing the likes of Fikayo Tomori, Marcos Alonso and Antonio Rudiger from his roster.
The Athletic also suggested that Lampard had toyed with the idea of releasing captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
Only Tomori surfaced as a successful transfer, meaning there was little space in the squad for extra bodies.
Having spent over £200m (BBC Sport) in the previous window, Chelsea’s hierarchy were reluctant to splash anymore cash unless further funds were raised through the sales of aforementioned players.
Granovskaia was apparently not keen on Tarkoswki anyway, causing further friction between herself and Lampard.
The 28-year-old has played well over 100 games in the Premier League and has been capped twice by the England national side.
The Telegraph reported that Tarkoswki had refused to sign a new Burnley contract last November as his current contract nears the end of its tenure.
Himself and Rice are not the only deals that have caused discontent with the ex-Blues manager and his board.
According to the Athletic, Ben Chilwell was the only signing from last summer that Lampard himself wanted. Considering they brought in the highly sort after Kai Havertz and Timo Werner, among others, this is a startling admission of unrest behind the scenes.
Thomas Tuchel will take over from the rut that Chelsea currently find themselves in and will attempt to soften the displeasure that was left for him.
The Chelsea Chronicle View
I’m not sure what else there is to say on this sad matter. It was clear for a long time that Lampard’s position was in peril and it was just a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.
Nothing has felt quite at ease since the rumours began to swirl around his future. Results on the pitch have been poor which has clearly been caused by turbulence off the field.
I wish all the best for Lampard and thank him for what he’s done for Chelsea. Here’s hoping Tuchel can steady the ship.