Arsenal have officially issued a statement after it was confirmed that former midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with several serious sexual offences. According to legal documents, the Ghanaian international is facing a total of five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, charges that have sent shockwaves throughout the football world and beyond.
Reports indicate that the alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022 and involve three separate women. Specifically, two rape charges relate to one complainant, three additional rape charges concern a second woman, and the single sexual assault charge involves a third individual. These details emerged following a lengthy investigation that began in February 2022 and was carried out by the Metropolitan Police in London.
Partey, who is currently 32 years old, is scheduled to make his first appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 5. This court hearing will mark the official start of what is expected to be a high-profile legal process that could take months or even years to resolve, depending on the developments in court.
In a statement issued to the BBC and other media outlets, Arsenal addressed the matter by clarifying Partey’s status with the club. The statement read: “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club are unable to comment on the case.” This short but significant confirmation clarified that Partey is no longer officially tied to the club as a player, though at the time of the announcement, his profile reportedly remained on Arsenal’s official website and some of his merchandise was still available for purchase in the club store.
Partey’s legal representative, Jenny Wiltshire, also released a statement defending her client. She emphasized that Partey denies all allegations against him and intends to vigorously defend himself in court. Her statement read: “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 after the North London club activated his £45 million release clause, making him one of their most high-profile signings in recent years. Over his five-season spell at Arsenal, he made a total of 167 appearances, becoming a key figure in the midfield and contributing both defensively and offensively. He featured prominently during the 2024/25 campaign and was known for his physical presence, passing ability, and tactical awareness.
Throughout his time at Arsenal, Partey built a reputation as a hard-working and disciplined player on the pitch, but his tenure was also marked by recurring injury struggles and occasional criticism over form. His departure at the end of his contract on June 30 had already generated discussion among fans regarding his future, but the recent legal charges have added a new and deeply serious dimension to his story.
As the legal process unfolds, the football community, including fans, former teammates, and officials, await further developments, with many expressing shock and sadness over the situation. Arsenal, meanwhile, have reiterated their commitment to cooperating fully with legal authorities while maintaining their focus on the upcoming season and rebuilding their squad under current manager Mikel Arteta.