31.01.2015 18:43 h

CSKA's Doumbia joins Roma

AS Roma have given a huge boost to their Serie A title aims after confirming the arrival of Seydou Doumbia on a four-and-a-half-year deal from CSKA Moscow.

Doumbia becomes the second Ivory Coast striker at the club, joining countryman Gervinho in the Italian capital in a deal worth 14.4m euros.

A statement by Roma said: "Roma would like to announce it has agreed terms with CSKA Moscow for the permanent transfer of Seydou Doumbia.

"The player has signed a contract that will expire on June 30 2019."

Doumbia had been a reported target for English Premier League side Tottenham, who were rebuffed by the player's Russian club last week.

The 27-year-old's arrival, following the Africa Cup of Nations, is expected to help plug the gap left by the departure of Mattia Destro to AC Milan last week.

It could also give Roma a huge boost as they look to close a seven-point gap to leaders and champions Juventus, ahead of the Giallorossi's league game on Saturday at home to Empoli. Juventus are away to Udinese on Sunday.

Doumbia joined CSKA Moscow from Swiss side Young Boys in January in 2010 and went on to score an impressive 89 goals in 129 appearances in all competitions, including a first-half brace in a 2-1 Champions League win away at Manchester City last November.