Antonio Rudiger names Premier League duo the best centre-back pairing in the world – and hints that he wants to partner one of them at Real Madrid in audacious transfer bid

Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger believes one Premier League duo make up the best centre-back partnership in the world.

Rudiger, also considered to be among the top defenders in the world, joined Real Madrid from Chelsea on a free transfer two years ago and has already made over 100 appearances for the Spanish giants.

And he was asked on the Inside Scoop podcast to name the centre-back he thinks are currently performing at the ‘top, top level’.

‘(William) Saliba and I like Gabriel from Arsenal as well. If you see Arsenal, like the two centre- backs who are playing together. They are doing since two years now, they’re doing an amazing job.’

‘The transformation from Arsenal, that was a bit before and now, and those two are the pillar of it. 

‘You have with Gabriel the more aggressive leader and for example Saliba is, this brother plays clean. No, really, you have to give it to him. You know, he looks like a silent leader.’

And Rudiger admitted he would love for Saliba to join him at the Bernabeu.

When asked what defender he would sign for Real Madrid, the ex-Chelsea player replied: ‘I say William Saliba.

‘I’m very happy with my centre-back partner [Eder] Militao because he also came from a big injury and he’s getting back to his best, but there’s so many games, so we would rotate.’

Rudiger believes Arsenal’s Gabriel (left) and William Saliba are the finest defensive duo

Arsenal had statistically the best defence in the Premier league last season, conceding just 29 goals, five less than any other team.

They have picked up where they left off this term with goalkeeper David Raya beaten just five times in six matches, the least of any team in the top flight.