Despite the World Cup qualifiers taking center stage this past week, one Spaniard has continued to dominate headlines: Iker Casillas.
Spain's top goalie started against Finland on Friday and made a huge save for his nation in its 2-0 victory. However, the rumors and speculations about his time for Madrid continue to mount and reports indicate that two English teams are interested in the player.
The Mirror reports that Arsenal and Manchester City are preparing a move for Casillas in the January transfer window. While Arsenal has been listed as an interested party before, the addition of Manchester City to the chase is quite surprising. For years the team has won and lost on the shoulders of Joe Hart. However, the keeper has been unsteady for both club and country and it seems that the team may be ready to move on from the cocky but inconsistent keeper.
However, Madrid may not be eager to move Casillas anytime soon. Recent reports indicated that Coach Carlo Ancelotti planned to use Casillas in the Champions League. Sporting Director Zinedane Zidane recently stated that he wanted to chat with Casillas about staying in Madrid.
"I don't believe Casillas will leave the club but it is better to have these conversations face to face," he said, according to The Mirror.
However, the questions about Casillas' form have slowly started to creep in. He lost his starting position a year ago to Diego Lopez under Jose Mourinho and has continued in the same position under Ancelotti. He remains Vicente del Bosque's top choice for Spain, but there are those that think that Casillas is past his prime.
"For me, [Bayern Munich's Manuel] Neuer is the best goalkeeper in the world at the moment. Casillas is past his best, whereas Neuer is still getting better," Former Brazil international Claudio Taffarel said, according to SportsMole.
Barcelona was also linked as a potential suitor, but those rumors have since been dispelled.