Arteta backs 'best in the world' praise for 'remarkable' Gabriel-Konsa partnership

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has backed the assessment that Gabriel Maghalaes and Ezri Konsa are the best centre-back partnership in world football right now.

Oliver Glasner made that statement after his Nottingham Forest side were frustrated by Arsenal's defensive duo at the weekend, during the Gunners' 1-0 win at the City Ground.

Konsa has made an immediate impression since his arrival from Aston Villa in the summer, forming a fine understanding with Gabriel in the absence of William Saliba.

Saliba's spell out with a back issue sparked fears in the summer, but Arsenal have recorded four clean sheets in seven Premier League games.

Arteta was asked about the new-look pair in central defence and admitted it is 'remarkable' how soon the two have formed an understanding.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Bayern Munich in the Champions League tonight, Arteta said: "That's a great opinion! For me, my players are the best in the world, and I think the partnership that they have developed in such a short period of time is remarkable.

"Credit to both of them, credit to the rest of the team as well. But I think on Sunday, both of them, specifically in key moments, they were exceptional."

Arsenal's new defensive pairing will face a formidable test tonight, against the German champions in Munich. Harry Kane will lead the line for Bayern Munich, with the 33-year-old a Ballon d'Or frontrunner after scoring 61 goals last season.

Asked if Kane represents the ultimate test for Gabriel and Konsa, Arteta added: Well they get tested a lot in the Premier League certainly, and they have already done in the Champions League . But I think what Harry's doing, and has done in the last few years, is just something else, another level. That's what we have to face tomorrow."