Arsenal transfer news: Danny Welbeck to leave Gunners as free agent this summer

Unai Emery has confirmed the striker will move on when his contract expires, five years after joining from Manchester United

England international Danny Welbeck will leave Arsenal as a free agent this summer.

The former Manchester United striker is out of contract next month, and there has been speculation all season over whether he would leave on a free this summer.

But Welbeck was presented with a parting gift in the post-match ceremony at the Emirates after today's 1-1 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion, as were the retiring Petr Cech and departing Aaron Ramsey.

When Unai Emery was asked after the press conference about Welbeck's future, he confirmed that Welbeck will leave.

"I spoke with the club about this situation," Emery said, "and the decision is he [Welbeck] is going to leave".

Arsenal signed Welbeck from Manchester United in the summer of 2014 but his time at the Emirates has been affected by a series of knee ligament injuries.

This season he has found himself back up to Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette and has only started seven games in all competitions, and just one in the league.

Danny Welbeck applauds the Arsenal fans (Getty Images)

He has scored 32 goals in 126 games for Arsenal over the last five seasons.