Welbeck joined the Gunners for £16Mfrom United in 2014 in a time when Arteta was his club captain as Arsenal struggled to fight for Champions League football.
The England international made 126 appearances for Arsenal between 2014 and 2019, scoring 32 goals.
This season, at 35 years old the now veteran striker has 10 goals in 27 Premier League appearances as he tries to transfer that form to the Arsenal clash this week.
Speaking ahead of the game, Arteta praised his former teammate and admitted that he could be a threat to his title chasing side.
"As a person, top. So good in and around the dressing room with the players.
“Whether he was a starter or a finisher, when he had some long-term injuries as well, always a really positive person around the place.
"As a nine, I think he has everything. He can hold the ball up, he can run in behind, technically very, very good. He can finish actions in the box in different ways. Top player.
“(People said) ‘No, he cannot do it', and he's doing it and probably better than ever."
Welbeck has not bagged for Brighton against the Gunners in Premier League action before but the clash on Wednesday could be the time to change that even if he hurts his former club’s chances of ending their two decade title drought.