Arsenal players make a splash in Singapore as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain looks to make most of his chances ahead of new season

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The Arsenal players were rewarded for tough training session with dip
Arsene Wenger's side spent the morning taking part in gym session
But the afternoon was more fun as the footballers frolicked in the pool
Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain admits upcoming season is a big one for him
Premier League news: CLICK HERE for all the latest

Published: 09:27 EST, 16 July 2015 | Updated: 12:15 EST, 16 July 2015

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Arsenal endured a series of hot and intense gym sessions on Thursday as they continued their preparations ahead of the Asia Trophy final against Everton.

The likes of Mesut Ozil, Jack Wilshere and were among the names put through some gruelling workouts in the Singapore sun.

However, it was not all work and no play for Arsene Wenger's side as the players were rewarded for their efforts with a dip in the hotel pool the same afternoon.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was all smiles as he relaxed in the pool following a hard training session in Asia

(L-R) Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny, Mathieu Flamini and Mesut Ozil do their best boy band impression

Striker Olivier Giroud jumps into the deep end as his Arsenal team-mates look on in the Singapore sun

Smiles returned to the players' faces as they enjoyed a dip in the sun along with a spot of water polo, a game Santi Cazorla clearly enjoyed as the Spaniard unleashed a beaming smile.

On Wednesday Arsenal booked their place in the final against Everton in spectacular fashion as they beat a Singapore Select XI 4-0 with Chuba Akpom bagging a hat-trick.

Oxlade-Chamberlain also impressed and admitted the new season will be a big one for him as he looks to stay fit and make the most of his opportunities.

After Arsenal's impressive victory he told the club's official website: 'Everyone looks to pre-season and getting going - it's a good opportunity for all of us to get fitness back.

'It's a step in the right direction to getting back to full fitness, not just for myself but for everyone. We're looking forward to the start of the season.

'I've seen every year as a big one for me and this is no different. I did suffer from injuries for the last two seasons now, which is always frustrating and isn't something you want.

Arsenal players Kieran Gibbs, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere and Dan Crowley lose control of the ball

Hat-trick hero Chuba Akpom cools off with a towel on his head following a spell relaxing in the swimming pool

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on defeating Singapore XI 4-0

'I do see this season as an opportunity. First and foremost, you have to do everything you can to stay fit, so I'm working on that. Then you never know what can happen in football. You've got to be positive and take any opportunities you get.

'For now I'm just focused on trying to get my fitness back and make the start of the season in the best possible shape to give the boss a hard time so he has to think about his selections.

'We're all thinking that - there's been a lot of competitiveness in training.

Arsenal players Gibbs, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wilshere and Crowley use their hands to control the ball

Santi Cazorla is all smiles as the Arsenal squad enjoy a splash around in the Singapore swimming pool

'There's been a high standard set and even the boys that have just come back look sharp and ready. That's what we need looking ahead to the start of the season.

'It's not just me who thinks it's a good opportunity, it's a good opportunity for all of us, especially off the back of a good end to the season last year.

'But for myself it is an important season for me and I'll just approach it the same way I have all of the other seasons.'