Jamie Carragher Arsenal verdict speaks volumes as Real Madrid plot William Saliba transfer

Former Premier League defender Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal defensive partnership, William Saliba and Gabriel, are on the cusp of joining an elite group of top-flight defenders. But the Gunners must keep hold of the duo - and beat Manchester City to reach the top-flight summit, he explains.

Mikel Arteta's side face the reigning champions on Sunday as they face a quick turnaround, following Thursday's goalless draw at Atalanta. Arsenal are looking to end City's 100 percent record in the Premier League this season and lay an early marker in the Premier League title race.

With mounting injury issues, Arsenal have navigated the tricky fixture schedule well, beating North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, thanks to Gabriel's second-half header, but face a sterner test in Pep Guardiola's side this weekend. Their top-flight rivals have been one of the bogey sides since Arteta swapped the Spaniards' backroom staff for the Emirates Stadium hotseat.

Arsenal can tip their hat to their rise to prominence in the Premier League on their defensive stability, helped by the partnership forged by Saliba and the Brazilian stopper. In recent weeks, reports have suggested that Arsenal face pressure to retain the services of their defensive options.

Real Madrid and PSG have been suggested to hold an interest in signing William Saliba. Interest from France is prominent in both Saliba and centre-back partner Gabriel with Carlo Ancelotti's side also weighing up Tottenham star Cristian Romero - according to The Independent.

Carragher, who made 508 appearances in England's top division, believes that the Gunners pairing are close to joining an esteemed group of defenders but need a major achievement to do so. "The Premier League era has been blessed with some of the greatest centre-half pairings," he wrote in his Telegraph column.

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"William Saliba and Gabriel are on the threshold of joining elite company. Provided they stay together, we will eventually reference Saliba and Gabriel in the same breath as the two stand-out partnerships of my generation; Chelsea’s John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho, and Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

"Arsenal must win the Premier League or Champions League for the duo to establish themselves in that hall of fame, but they are making giant strides and are the biggest reason why Mikel Arteta’s side can travel to Manchester City with confidence this weekend..."

The former Liverpool defender added: "Arteta has evolved into a coach who loves clean sheets, and on that basis his central defenders – aged just 23 and 26 – will be the foundation for regular challenges.

"The great pairings do not shine for one or even two incredible seasons. After Vidic joined Ferdinand at Old Trafford, United won five Premier League titles and the Champions League. Terry and Carvalho were champions three out of their six years together.

"Saliba and Gabriel have made an impressive start. They need no reminding of what is demanded of them to make the early comparison with the greats of the game stick rather than sound ridiculously premature."