Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been officially charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, according to the Metropolitan Police in London. The alleged offences involve three women and reportedly took place between 2021 and 2022.
The 32-year-old Ghanaian international, who joined Arsenal in 2020 in a high-profile £45 million move from Atlético Madrid, recently became a free agent after his contract with the Gunners expired on June 30.
Charges and Court Appearance
According to authorities, two of the rape charges relate to one woman, three to a second woman, and the sexual assault charge concerns a third woman. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) brought the charges following a detailed police investigation that began in February 2022, after the first report of rape was received.
Partey is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5.
Partey Denies All Allegations
In response to the charges, Partey’s legal representative Jenny Wiltshire, of law firm Hickman & Rose, 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.”
Arsenal Breaks Silence
Partey was initially arrested in July 2022, though he remained unnamed publicly and continued playing for Arsenal while the investigation was ongoing. He featured 52 times for the club across all competitions last season.
While Arsenal has not commented on the case specifically, a club spokesperson confirmed to Sky Sports News:
“The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.”
Police Statement
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, leading the investigation, emphasized the police’s focus on the alleged victims:
“Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.”
The Met Police is urging anyone with information about the case or who may have been impacted to reach out for support.
This development marks a serious turn in the career of a player once considered a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield and a respected Ghanaian international. As the legal process unfolds, Partey’s future — both professionally and personally — hangs in the balance.
