Arsenal forward Theo Walcott believes that this is the "closest" Arsenal squad he has ever been a part of.

The Gunners got their pre-season campaign off to a winner start with a 2-0 win over Sydney FC on Thursday, as new signing Alexandre Lacazette netted his first goal for the club.

Following last season's fourth place finish, optimism appears to be rising at the Emirates and Walcott says squad unity is at an all-time high.

“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.

Walcott says unity is at an all-time high (
Image:
Getty Images AsiaPac)

“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!

New signing Lacazette netted on his Gunners debut (
Image:
Mark Metcalfe)

“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.”

The Gunners face Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday before moving onto China where they will face Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

They kick off their Premier League campaign against Leicester on Friday August 11.

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