Danny Welbeck must not be allowed to leave Arsenal next summer, insists club legend Ian Wright. 

Welbeck’s current contract with the Gunners expires next summer, meaning he will drop into the free agent pool if no extension is agreed.

The England international joined Arsenal from Manchester United in 2014, and has since scored just 31 times in 118 appearances.

However Welbeck enjoyed his most prolific season to date with the club last term as he found the net 10 times, and looks set for another solid season this time around having managed four goals in just six games already.

And given his resurgence in form, Wright believes Arsenal must do everything they can to ensure the 27-year-old remains in North London for the foreseeable future.

“Yes I certainly do,” said Wright when asked if he believes Welbeck has a role to play under Unai Emery.

“Where he is right now, behind [Alexandre] Lacazette and [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang, coming off the bench with his experience.

“And the fact that he is capable of scoring goals against all types of opposition.

“He’s someone that I think Arsenal should definitely try to sign up for the long term. He’s valuable to Arsenal. I think he’s got eight to 10 goals in him over the course of a season.

“In the current climate, I don’t think Arsenal can afford to let someone like that go.”