Iker Casillas Transfer Rumors in 2013: Arsenal Looking to Buy Legendary Keeper?

On Sunday, Jose Mourinho continued to apparently show his disdain for Real Madrid keeper Iker Casillas by leaving the legendary captain out of the starting lineup. Casillas eventually got into the game after a few minutes, but the neglect is arguably an indication that the keeper has fallen out of favor with his new boss.

Rumors about Madrid bidding for Manchester United keeper David de Gea have started prompting questions about Casillas' future, but new reports from Fantatix and Caught Offside indicate that his departure from the Spanish side may be imminent. According to the two sources, Arsenal general manager Arsene Wenger is interested in bringing in a new keeper after having lost faith in his number one Wojciech Szczesny and it seems that Casillas may be the top keeper on his radar. 

According to Caught Offisde, "Szczesny put in a series of excellent displays last term but has not looked as assured this term and the Pole had to fight to regain his starting spot at the Emirates Stadium after Italian Vito Mannone replaced him during a spell out injured." Casillas would instantly improve the goaltending situation for Arsenal.

Back in December the Spanish keeper hinted at a possible move to the United States. "I would like to play out my football in the future in a more relaxed environment, and if I have to play somewhere else then it would be for a team that would not come into direct competition with RealMadrid," Casillas said during an interview with Spanish television's La Sexta in December. "For example, in the USA, which I love. I would like to retire with Madrid, but if the critics are fierce when I am 31, imagine what they will be like when I'm 37."

Casillas is signed with Madrid until June 2017. He has had a decent 2012-13 season with six clean sheets in 17 games. He has allowed 16 goals this season and was particularly poor in his last showing on Sunday when he allowed three goals and looked out of sorts in the match.