Arsenal legend Ian Wright has called on the club to do everything possible to keep defensive duo William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes at the Emirates for the rest of their careers.

Speaking after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, Wright credited the pair for giving the Gunners the defensive solidity needed to grind out victories in big games.

A first-half strike from Riccardo Calafiori sealed the win, but Wright believes Saliba and Gabriel were the true difference-makers.

“These two [Saliba and Gabriel] have everything,” Wright said on the Arsecast podcast. “They are the reason we’ve got that old ‘1-0 to the Arsenal’ feeling back. You can go to United, play with confidence, and win – because of what they’re doing at the back.”

The former striker urged the club to tie both players down long-term, no matter the cost:
“For me, I’d pay them anything to stay here for the rest of their careers. They’re two of the best defenders we’ve ever had at Arsenal.”

Saliba and Gabriel have formed one of the Premier League’s most solid partnerships, and with Wright’s backing, fans will be hoping the club takes his advice seriously.