Arsenal heavyweights put through their paces on return to training

Arsenal's heavyweight stars returned to training this morning with Arsene Wenger's side striving to be in perfect shape ahead of the new season.
With the Gunners heading into the campaign looking to win their first trophy for over eight years, the players were out doing some light running and core strengthening exercises at their London Colney training base.
Arsenal fans will be relieved to see Jack Wilshere training with the squad, with many believing that the fitness of the English talisman will to be essential to Wenger’s cause this season.

Power lift: Theo Walcott lifts weights

Fun in the gym: Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong pose during their weights session

Day one: Arsenal players returned to training Thursday morning

Another prodigiously gifted English youngster, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, was pictured pumping iron as he looks to maintain his bodybuilder-like physique as the new campaign moves on to the horizon.
A more concerning sight for Gunners’ fans, however, may be the appearance of Moroccan flop Marouane Chamakh, who has scored just twelve goals for Arsenal in the last three seasons. He had spent the second half of last season at West Ham - but now returns to the Emirates with a year remaining on his contract.
Manger Arsene Wenger was all smiles, though, and looked refreshed as he put the players, including England winger Theo Walcott, through their paces this morning.

Instruction: Arsene Wenger guides his players through the morning session

Stretching: Arsenal fitness coach Tony Colbert with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain pull on a rope

Watching on: Maroune Chamakh watches training at London Colney

And he has added reason to smile – after securing the signing of highly rated French striker Yaya Sanogo from Auxerre on Monday. Wenger is also hoping to add Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain to his ranks by the end of this week, after the Argentine’s father admitted that negotiations are at an advanced stage.
Speaking to FOX Sports Argentina, Jorge Higuain said: ‘We have been given permission by Real Madrid to negotiate with Arsenal. With luck I will see my son in the Premier League soon.’
Wenger is also considering moves for Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini and Manchester United’s unsettled striker Wayne Rooney.

Having fun: Lukasz Fabianski and Ryo Miyaichi strike a pose, while Oxlade-Chamberlain works on the weights