Arsenal have issued a response following confirmation that former midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with multiple sexual offences, including five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
According to reports, the alleged incidents occurred between 2021 and 2022 and involve three different women.
Two rape charges relate to one complainant, three to a second, and the sexual assault charge to a third.
Partey, 32, is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 5.
The charges follow an investigation that began in February 2022. In a statement issued to the BBC, Arsenal confirmed:
“The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club are unable to comment on the case.”
Despite the contract expiration, Partey remained listed on Arsenal’s official website and club merchandise was still available for sale at the time the charges were made public.
Partey’s legal representative, Jenny Wiltshire, stated:
“Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation.
“He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.”
Partey joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atlético Madrid in a £45 million transfer. He made 167 appearances across five seasons, featuring prominently during the 2024/25 campaign.