Arsenal Transfer News: Iker Casillas Reportedly Claims Jose Mourinho Sabotage

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas could have moved to Arsenal this summer but former boss Jose Mourinho sabotaged the deal, according to reports.

The veteran Spanish shot-stopper looks to be on his way out of the Bernabeu with Manchester United's David de Gea the likely replacement, per MailOnline's Pete Jenson.

Casillas was reportedly in talks with the Gunners over a potential move to the Emirates, per James Cambridge of the Daily Express, but the player's camp believe the switch was blocked by former Real manager Mourinho, now Chelsea boss, according to Spanish outlet El Chiringuito (h/t Metro's Will Giles).

The Portuguese manager holds little sway when it comes to Arsenal transfers, but he does look set to be passing on a goalkeeper of his own to the Gunners, with Petr Cech's move to north London looking increasingly likely, per Sky Sports.

Mourinho had a strained relationship with Casillas when he was in charge at the Bernabeu between 2010 and 2013, dropping the long-term No. 1 in favour of Diego Lopez, per Jenson in The Independent.

It was arguably the start of Casillas' decline with Los Blancos, which now sees him on the point of departing his beloved boyhood club where he has spent his entire career, per Bleacher Report's Jonathan Johnson:

The 34-year-old has become increasingly unreliable between the posts at Madrid, and although his experience is still a significant asset, fresh blood is now needed.

While Arsenal fans would no doubt have welcomed the three-time Champions League-winner to the Emirates had Casillas made the move, the signing of Cech is arguably a better move for Arsene Wenger's side.

Cech's Premier League experience and remarkable consistency should make him a fine addition to the Arsenal set-up, assuming the long-rumoured move eventually goes through.  

While Casillas may have missed out on a move to Arsenal, he could still be set to settle in the Premier League, as Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly looking to bring him in, per Marca.

In something of a goalkeeping merry-go-round, Casillas is supposedly being eyed by Spurs as a replacement for Hugo Lloris, who is the most likely man to fill the gap left by De Gea at Manchester United should he leave for Real, per Sky Bet's Jamie Casey:

It would surely be something of a step down for Casillas to join Spurs, especially as they will not be competing in the Champions League next season. But he may well be persuaded to move to White Hart Lane by the promise of consistent first-team football in the Premier League.

Despite his recent problems, Casillas remains one of the top goalkeepers of the last decade, and still has years remaining in his auspicious career.

A spell in the English top flight would be an intriguing challenge, and White Hart Lane could be an ideal destination.