Chelsea’s hopes of capturing CSKA Moscow striker Seydou Doumbia in January have been dented after it was revealed that the striker has opened talks with the Russian side over a new contract, as reported by the Daily Star.

This will come as a serious blow, with the club having recently found out that he is available for £15 million as a result of his contract situation.

Doumbia has scored nine goals in 14 games for the eastern European giants.

The 26 year old’s current contract expires in 2016, which meant that the Russian side were increasingly worried about losing him on a free.

They have also been hit by a series of injury problems suffered by the striker.

Chelsea almost signed him in the summer but they were unable to agree a fee over his transfer.

Recent form has proven his value, however, and they now refuse to sell him for less than £25 million.

Chelsea are able to add CSKA Moscow forward Seydou Doumbia in January for only £15 million, as reported by the Daily Star.

The Ivory Coast international saw talks over a possible move fall apart in the summer, but he remains hopeful of a move being put together in the winter window.

Doumbia has proven his Premier League pedigree last week, hitting home two first half goals at the Etihad Stadium as the Russian side smashed Manchester City 2-1 in the Champions League.

In fact, Doumbia’s excellent display came despite player having suffered from a troublesome ankle problem.

This is actually, in part, why CSKA Moscow have chosen to lower their asking price by a huge £7 million.

A long list of injury problems have put doubts on the striker’s fitness in the long term.

This means CSKA are willing to part with him for less than his true value.

Doumbia is a natural goalscorer, and despite being unable to train on a daily basis, Doumbia has plundered 16 goals in his 18 games this season.