Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey
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Arsenal have released a statement following confirmation that former midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced on Friday that the Ghana international has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. According to the CPS, the charges involve three separate women, with two counts of rape relating to one individual, three counts to a second, and the sexual assault charge relating to a third. The alleged offences occurred between 2021 and 2022.
Partey, 32, is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
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The Metropolitan Police said detectives launched an investigation in February 2022 after receiving an initial report of rape. “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward,” said Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy. “We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team.”
🚨Statement from Arsenal regarding Thomas Partey being charged today: “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.”
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— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) July 4, 2025
In a brief statement to the BBC, Arsenal confirmed Partey’s departure and declined further comment due to the legal proceedings. “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case,” the statement read.
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Partey was officially released by Arsenal earlier this week following the expiration of his contract. He joined the North London club in September 2020 from Atlético Madrid, after the Gunners activated his £45 million release clause. Over four seasons, he made 167 appearances, scored nine goals, and provided seven assists.
The 2024/25 campaign was his most active with the Gunners, featuring 52 times as Arsenal finished second in the Premier League for the third consecutive year and reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
Despite manager Mikel Arteta previously expressing a desire to offer Partey a new deal, Arsenal opted not to renew his contract amid plans to reshape the midfield, with Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi and Brentford captain Christian Nørgaard expected to arrive this summer.
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