Monday, 26th August, 2013

Even as Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti maintained no decision on a goalkeeper for tonight's game against Granada has been made, Arsenal are believed to have moved for Iker Casillas according to Marca.

The debate over who should control proceedings in the box for Real Madrid – Casillas or Diego Lopez – has reached almost fever pitch ever since day one of La Liga.

 


Dropped for the opener against Real Betis, Casillas played only the first half of the Bernabeu Trophy clash against AL-Sadd – Raul's homecoming – again replaced by Diego Lopez.

In the meantime, Arsenal have been on a goalkeeper hunt towards the end of the transfer window, snubbed by Valencia over Vicente Guaita but also linked with Kiko Casilla and QPR's Julio Cesar.

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Casillas is by far the biggest name among goalkeepers on Arsenal's radar and according to Marca, there has been contact from the Gunners.

The approach has been made to Casillas' representatives, and with a perfect storm brewing amongst the Madrid fans, there is every chance the Spaniard may give in.

Ancelotti has always made clear he is not preferring one over the other, despite Casillas having been out-of-favour with his predecessor Jose Mourinho as well.

And he was forced to repeat himself at yesterday's press conference, saying: "I will not say who will be starting as goalie tomorrow because I see a lot being written.

"I prefer talking to both and then making a final decision. I know the Real Madrid fans very well and it is important for them to understand that I am trying to make the best decisions to help the team win."

Casillas is not the only Los Blancos player being looked up by Arsenal, with Angel di Maria and Karim Benzema also on the list for under-fire Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

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