The Arsenal squad boarded the flight to Australia last night ahead of their friendlies in Sydney.

The squad looked to be in good spirits as they took their seats ahead of the long flight to Australia. Pictures courtesy of Arsenal’s official website.

The players appeared to be enjoying passing around a cap and a pair of aviator sunglasses, while club captain and future academy director Per Mertesacker settled down with a pack of Arsenal-brand playing cards.

There’ll be plenty more pictures to come after Arsenal touch down in Australia today and commence their week in Sydney.

There’ll be official fan parties and open training sessions as Arsenal prepare to take on Sydney FC on Thursday and Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday.

Arsenal have taken a near full strength squad, including new signing Alexandre Lacazette, and a number of promising young players.

Rob Holding, Hector Bellerin and Alexis Sanchez have been left out as they’re currently on holiday following international duty.