By: Kwame Bediako
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has publicly stated for the first time that the club adhered fully to proper procedures in handling the case of former midfielder Thomas Partey, who was recently charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault. Partey, who denies all allegations, was charged four days after his contract with Arsenal expired on June 30, 2025. Arteta made the comments during Arsenal’s pre-season tour in Singapore amid intense scrutiny over the club’s handling of the situation.
Thomas Partey faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving three women, with the alleged offenses occurring between 2021 and 2022 during his time at Arsenal. Two counts of rape pertain to one woman, three counts to another, and one count of sexual assault to a third. The Ghanaian international was first arrested in July 2022 but continued to play for Arsenal while investigations were ongoing, as the police inquiry had only begun in February 2022 following an initial report.
Arteta, when asked about the club’s confidence in its approach, responded, “100 percent,” emphasizing the complexity of legal matters and confirming Arsenal’s adherence to the right processes. Arsenal issued an official statement noting that Partey’s contract ended on June 30 and that, due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club could not comment further on the case. The manager underlined that the club was clear in its public communication and chose not to comment on the legal specifics.
Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, stated that her client denies all charges and has cooperated fully with police and prosecutors throughout the three-year investigation. She also said Partey looks forward to clearing his name. Partey is scheduled to appear at London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, 2025.
The charges have sparked discussion about the timing, as Arsenal allowed Partey to remain active until his contract expiration before the club took further action. Unlike other cases where clubs suspended players immediately upon arrest, Arsenal continued contract negotiations with Partey, reflecting the club’s cautious approach amid complex legal circumstances.
