Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed full confidence in the club’s handling of former midfielder Thomas Partey’s case, who faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
Speaking at a press conference in Singapore on July 22, 2025, ahead of Arsenal’s pre-season match against AC Milan, Arteta stated, “The club was very clear in its statement… I’m 100% confident the club followed all the right processes.” Partey, who left Arsenal on June 30, 2025, upon the expiration of his contract, was charged on July 4, 2025, by the Metropolitan Police for offenses allegedly committed in 2021 and 2022 involving three women.
The 32-year-old Ghanaian, who joined Arsenal for £45m from Atletico Madrid in 2020, denies the charges and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, 2025. His lawyer stated he “welcomes the opportunity to clear his name.”
The investigation began in February 2022 following a rape report. Partey made 35 Premier League appearances last season, scoring four goals, and played 12 times in the Champions League.
Arsenal’s pre-season tour continues with matches against Newcastle and Tottenham in Hong Kong.
