The imminent signing of Petr Cech by Arsenal, who are expected to Shell out 15 million euros for the Czech Republic international, has closed another door on Iker Casillas. And it is the door that offered him passage to his preferred destination; London.
Furthermore, AS understands, Tottenham have also ruled out the possibility of signing the Real Madrid keeper. "Our idea is to keep Lloris for another season," a Spurs source told AS off the record. Tottenham also face another stumbling block over signing Casillas: the White Hart Lane club are not participating in the Champions League next season, but the Europa League instead. Casillas is keen on a move to a Champions League club to ensure he remains first choice for Spain ahead of the 2016 European Championship. For that reason he has also ruled out a move to the MLS for the moment.
However, if the keys to a move to London have been removed, there are two other great European cities where Casillas could rock up; Paris and Rome. The press that covers PSG have been reporting that the Ligue 1 champions are eager to sign a new goalkeeper. Salvatore Sirigu has been heavily criticized and Nicolas Douchez, 35, perfectly fits the role of a back-up keeper who is happy enough with that role. PSG have just recovered Alphonse Aréola, who was on loan at Villarreal, and see the young Frenchman as one for the future.
On the other hand are Roma, who are in the Champions League next season and also in the market for a proven, experienced keeper. But the Serie A club wouldn't be able to meet even half of the wages Casillas will receive from Real over the next two seasons: 7.5 million euros next year and seven the year after that. However, Madrid have offered to cover the shortfall wherever he may choose to play. If there are no offers that appeal to the captain he has resolved to see out the final two years of his contract. In order for Madrid to get him off the books Casillas wants them to tell him he is no longer required at the Bernabéu and to pay his contract off in full. Taking a pay cut to play elsewhere would depend on the player, but only after he has received the golden handshake.
There is a third, extremely remote, option: Fenerbahçe. The Super Lig club have already made Casillas an offer, which was refused. Fenerbahçe have now been linked with David Ospina, who will leave Arsenal if and when Cech arrives.