Arsenal Target Spain's World Cup Winning Star - Report

Arsenal are preparing a move to sign Real Madrid veteran Iker Casillas, according to the Metro.

The report claims the Gunners have already made an approach in signing the Spanish stopper as Arsene Wenger is keen on bringing Madrid skipper to the Emirates in the final week of the transfer window.

Casillas was forced to sit on the bench by Madrid's former manager Jose Mourinho, while fielding his compatriot Diego Lopez in front of the goal during the second half of the last season. The Portuguese tactician left the Spanish capital club and was replaced by Carlo Ancelloti at the Bernabeu.

The arrival of the former AC Milan manager has not changed the situation at Madrid as Ancelloti started Lopez in their first two league games. The nine-time European champions won their latest league tie 1-0 over Granada and Ancelloti insisted that he has no plans of bringing changes in front of the goal.

"Diego Lopez played the first game, he played the second. He's playing well, nothing more. The pressure is fuel to me [regarding the focus on the decision]," Ancelloti stressed.

Meanwhile, lack of playtime could put a dent on Casillas' chance of making it to Brazil for the next summer's World Cup with Spain. The 32-year-old could see him losing his place to Barcelona's Victor Valdes, Napoli's Pepe Reina (on loan from Liverpool) or Manchester United's David de Gea, who are first choice keepers for their clubs.

Arsenal were struggling in front of the goal last season, with Wenger rotating between Wojciech Szczesny and his compatriot Lukasz Fabianski. The duo failed to impress during the previous campaign, leaving the Frenchman to find alternatives in that position.

Casillas has proved his worth for Madrid and should he decide to join the north London club, it will be a major addition for Arsenal. Meanwhile, the keeper's club and country teammate Alvaro Arbeloa has backed Ancelloti for picking Lopez ahead of the 32-year-old.

"Iker is our captain and he has a lot of experience but he should be an equal. I understand and support Iker, but we are professionals. Whoever plays will have our support, and the fans should do the same. The debate is out there but it is the reporters who are more interested in it. We're calm," Arbeloa explained.