Arsenal are in talks with the Colombian international goalkeeper Oscar Cordoba, placing the future of Richard Wright in doubt. Cordoba, rated at £3.5m by his club Boca Juniors, has been given permission to speak to the Gunners.

The 31-year-old Cordoba revealed Arsenal's interest on Thursday and expects to sign in the next week or so if he can agree terms and gain a work permit.

Cordoba is rated one of the finest keepers in the world and may be the natural long-term successor to David Seaman. He is unlikely to move unless he will be made first choice.

The South American can also play in the Champions' League, the main reason why Arsenal want to rush through a transfer as soon as possible.

Wright has been hit by injury, while Seaman is also finding it hard to stay fit at his age. Both England internationals may be replaced in their absence.

Wright, signed from Ipswich in the summer, has made an indifferent start at Highbury and both his club status and England prospects have been harmed as a result.

Despite Arsenal's massive financial commitment to their new 60,000-seater stadium to replace Highbury in 2004, the manager Arsène Wenger has been told he will still have all the funds he needs to sign players.

Blackburn Rovers are giving Josh Wolff, the United States international striker, the chance to play in the Premiership. Wolff, who plays for Chicago Fire, has joined Rovers for two weeks' training with a view to a permanent move. Graeme Souness, the Rovers manager, said: "We hear he is a bit like Michael Owen."