The current squad is as close-knit a group as Theo Walcott can remember - even if their singing leaves a little to be desired.
A third FA Cup win in four seasons has helped us take valuable momentum into the new season and the players have been getting on famously on tour in Sydney.
New signings Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac have bedded in quickly and Theo says that’s par for the course now.
“It’s the closest we’ve ever been to be honest,” he told Arsenal.com. “You have players who come in and settle really, really quickly.
“I remember Mohamed [Elneny] coming in last year, not speaking too much English, but he got into it and his English is fantastic now. Nacho [Monreal] was the same when he came and he’s settled in really well. I think he’s English now!
“That’s what it’s about. The manager brings in players early before the tour, which is great because you need to bond with them and know what they’re like, on and off the pitch. It makes them feel at home.”
Traditionally, new signings and tour debutants get up and sing in front of their teammates - but Theo admits that this year’s renditions won’t live long in the memory.
“It was really poor!” he said. “I think it was rushed. I said to Per that it was more of an audition. I think we need to redo it. Don’t get me wrong, it was OK but it wasn’t the best. The best was Per Mertesacker when he did his song. I won’t do it for you but he was the best for me.
“What would I do? ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’. It’s an upbeat song, everyone will get involved!”
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