Arsenal legend praises the Gunners' center-back duo ahead of the Champions League final

Martin Keown has given high praise to Arsenal's center-back partnership of Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba, expressing confidence that his old team will triumph over PSG in the Champions League final.

After finally ending a 22-year Premier League title drought, Mikel Arteta's side will face their biggest match of the season against PSG in Budapest on Saturday, aiming to complete a historic double. This is not only Arsenal's chance to claim their first European crown but also an opportunity for the current generation to establish themselves as a top-tier team on the continent.

In Arsenal's journey back to the summit, Gabriel and Saliba have been the foundational center-back duo. They have formed a solid defensive wall and provided the bedrock for the team's resurgence. Former Arsenal legendary defender Martin Keown has openly expressed his admiration for both players.

"In my view, Arsenal now has the finest central defensive pair in Europe," Keown shared with football.london.

"Gabriel has truly exploded this season. He makes a massive impact in both penalty areas and brings tremendous value to the team. As for Saliba, he's like a Rolls-Royce – classy, smooth, elegant on the ball, ideal physique, strong, and incredibly mobile. A center-back with almost every attribute."

Keown particularly highlighted Saliba's impressive developmental journey. The French defender endured three consecutive loan spells from Arsenal before returning to the Emirates and claiming a starting spot.

"When you're loaned out for so long, you start questioning whether you truly belong to the club. But Saliba overcame it all. That's remarkable mental strength. Perhaps everything was part of the club's bigger plan."

"He came back after winning Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year, then immediately played brilliantly in his Arsenal debut against Crystal Palace. I was there that day and thought, 'Why wasn't he here sooner?' Three years on loan, then he returns and forms a fantastic partnership with Gabriel."

Regarding Gabriel, Keown admitted he feels a particular thrill every time he watches the Brazilian defender play.

"I really enjoy Gabriel's style – the power, the fierce challenges, the assertiveness. Watching him play is extremely satisfying. I'm not saying I played that way, because Gabriel is far better than I was, but I genuinely love that approach."

"I think he's the leader of the defense. Together they form a formidable duo, and this weekend they'll need to be at their best because PSG will undoubtedly stretch Arsenal's shape."

That's a point Keown emphasized. Arsenal is about to face arguably Europe's most versatile attack, with Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ready to apply constant pressure.

"Sometimes as a center-back, you have no clear man to mark. But in an instant, three players can burst into the same space. It's truly a nightmare."

"Dembele will move off his position very quickly and disappear from your radar. Meanwhile, Kvaratskhelia suddenly charges in like an express train. You have to read the situation extremely fast."

"Don't drop too deep. And if you decide to engage, you must win that duel. Facing PSG is always immensely difficult. This will undoubtedly be Arsenal's toughest test."

When asked what nickname he would give the current Arsenal team, akin to the legendary 'Invincibles' of 2004, Keown offered an interesting moniker: 'Number Ones'.

"They will be champions. That's enough for me," the former Arsenal star said. "But if they win the Champions League, they'll be the first Arsenal side in history to do it. So I call them 'Number Ones'. Not just 'Invincibles' or 'Unforgettables', but number one, because no Arsenal team before them has ever won Europe's top prize."

Keown also recalled Arsenal's unhappy memories in European competitions, from defeat in the old Cup Winners' Cup to the penalty shootout loss to Galatasaray in the UEFA Cup. "This club has missed too many chances in Europe. Now is the time to achieve something truly big."

Last season, Arsenal were stopped in the Champions League semifinals by none other than PSG, who went on to win the title. But Keown believes this rematch will be different, especially after Arsenal's Premier League triumph.

"There's something very special about hearing victory music play, like Queen's 'We Are The Champions'. It creates a feeling that makes you believe you can do anything."

"Limits almost cease to exist. The Premier League title provides a massive foundation for the club. It gives them wings to enter this match and accomplish something truly extraordinary."

For Arsenal, the final in Budapest is not just a chance to lift Europe's most prestigious trophy. It is also the moment for Arteta's generation to write a new chapter in history, and as Martin Keown hopes, to become the club's first 'Number Ones' in the Champions League arena.