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 a Premier League duo forms the best centre-back pairing in the world.

Rudiger, also considered one of the best defenders in the world, joined Real Madrid from Chelsea on a free transfer two years ago and has already made more than 100 appearances for the Spanish giants.

And on the Inside Scoop podcast he was asked to name the centre-back he believes is currently performing at the “highest level”.

‘Saliba and I also like Gabriel from Arsenal. If you watch Arsenal, you like the two centre-backs who play together. “They have been doing it for two years and they are doing an incredible job.”

“Arsenal’s transformation was a little before and now, and those two are the pillar of it.

‘You have Gabriel as the most aggressive leader and, for example, Saliba, this brother plays fair. No, really, you have to give it to him. You know, he seems like a silent leader.

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

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

“I am very happy with my central teammate (Eder) Militao because he is also coming off a big injury and is returning to his best level, but there are so many games that we would rotate.”

Arsenal statistically had the best defense in the Premier League last season, conceding just 29 goals, five fewer than any other team.

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