‎Former Arsenal star Thomas Partey charged with rape and sexual assault by Met Police

‎Thomas Partey, the Ghanaian international and former Arsenal midfielder, has been formally charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, according to a statement from London’s Metropolitan Police. The alleged incidents involve three different women and are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.

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Ex-Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey charged with rape and sexual assault by Met Police. Trial begins August 5. Partey denies all allegations.

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‎The 32-year-old footballer is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5. Two of the rape charges involve one complainant, while three more relate to a second woman. The single count of sexual assault pertains to a third individual. These developments come after an investigation led by the Met Police's specialist crime command, which began in February 2022 when the first report of rape was received.

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‎Partey, who joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atlético Madrid in a high-profile £45 million transfer, made 52 appearances for the North London club last season. His contract officially expired earlier this week, making him a free agent. During the ongoing police investigation, Partey continued playing for Arsenal but had not been publicly named until now.

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‎A statement from Partey's lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman and Rose, confirms his full cooperation with both the police and the Crown Prosecution Service throughout the nearly three-year investigation. “Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him,” Wiltshire said. “He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given that there are ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.”

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‎Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, who is leading the case, reaffirmed the police’s commitment to supporting the women involved. “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward,” he said. Authorities have asked anyone with relevant information to contact the Metropolitan Police.