Peter Kenyon has revealed it was always Chelsea's intention to land Andrei Shevchenko - even prior to the arrival of coach Jose Mourinho.
Chief executive Kenyon's admission adds fuel to the fire following claims the Ukrainian misfit's purchase was the choice of owner Roman Abramovich and not Mourinho.
The alleged compromising of Mourinho has led to inevitable speculation over his future at the club, though Kenyon insists it is 'business as usual' behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge.
"The discussion about signing Shevchenko first took place even before he joined, when we were looking at the squad," said Kenyon.
"Those conversations took place each year until last season when we managed to get him.
"It was our idea. We need a striker who is the best striker in the world. And if you asked anyone, you would have put him on that list."
Kenyon insists Mourinho had the final say on the £30million signing and denied rumours of a rift at the club.
"What is the point of imposing a player on the manager? The relationship between the manager and player is critical," said Kenyon.
"There is a healthy tension in the club and that is all focused on moving Chelsea forward.
"Within Chelsea it is business as usual. On all the key issues the manager, the owner, the chief executive and the board are involved. That will not change because to be successful we need a team that is together."