The Belarus midfielder's future has been the subject of feverish speculation and his representative, Nikolai Shpilevski, claims he is already in talks with another club.

Shpilevski told the Sun: "I can officially confirm that a short time ago Alexander decided that he will leave Arsenal and join another club. Of course, Arsenal and Arsene wanted him to stay but they have accepted the player's choice."

Hleb has been linked with a move to Inter Milan and reportedly held talks with the Italian giants earlier this year.

Inter's interest infuriated Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, who threatened to report them to FIFA for making an illegal approach for the player.

There were suggestions the player would use Article 17 of FIFA's transfer regulations to buy out the remaining two years of his Arsenal contract.

But Shpilevski insisted Hleb will not rob the club of a lucrative transfer fee, saying: "We are not using article 17 of the FIFA rule.

"I can't tell you anything about where he will be playing yet.

"Talks are under way, and I don't have the right to make them public.

"I think that the issue of his new club will be clarified in the next few days."