Dortmund Join Arsenal in Race for Madrid Star - Report

Borussia Dortmund are reportedly monitoring the situation of Real Madrid goalkeeper and Arsenal target Iker Casillas.

Spain's legendary skipper is no longer the first-choice shot-stopper at the Bernabeu, where he was considered an icon for over a decade, having lost his place to January panic buy Diego Lopez even after returning from injury issues.

Arsenal were among the clubs linked to Casillas during the summer but the 32-year-old decided to stay, as it was expected that his situation at Madrid would change with the exit of Jose Mourinho. However, new manager Carlo Ancelotti has also chosen Lopez as his first-choice goalkeeper, leaving the Spaniard on the bench for all matches so far this season.

With the 2014 World Cup in Brazil awaiting players at the other end of this season, Dortmund are now ready to offer Casillas a lifeline, according to The Independent. The Bundesliga outfit has been keeping track of the recent developments regarding the player's situation as they weigh up an offer, while the Mirror claims the Gunners and Manchester City also remain keen.

Despite being Spain's influential captain, Casillas cannot afford to spend an entire season on the bench and still expect to earn a ticket to Brazil. The stopper needs some game time, especially with his competitors Pepe Reina, David de Gea and Victor Valdes all remaining first-team regulars at Napoli, Manchester United and Barcelona respectively.

Meanwhile, Spain boss Vicente del Bosque had recently stated that Casillas's situation at Madrid would be sorted out soon.

"Iker told me he has his future more or less sorted out. He told me that he had been through quite a difficult moment but he had his future more or less settled and now he is feeling more relaxed. I have the greatest respect for all three of our goalkeepers and I values each one of them very highly. For me, they represent the good atmosphere which prevails within the group in general," del Bosque said.