Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta breaks silence on Thomas Partey after former midfielder charged with rape

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Ben McCaffrey

By Ben McCaffrey


Published: 21/07/2025

- 11:37

Updated: 21/07/2025

- 11:54

The midfielder was charged just four days after leaving the club

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has broken his silence after former midfielder Thomas Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, insisting he is "100 per cent" confident that the club followed the correct proceedings.

The charges relate to events that allegedly took place between 2021 and 2022 and involve three separate women.


Partey denies all charges against him and has said he welcomes the opportunity to clear his name.

The 32-year-old was charged just four days after leaving the club upon the expiry of his contract on June 30, opening Arsenal’s handling of the situation to significant criticism, given Partey was first arrested in July 2022.

Thomas Partey

PA

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Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on 4 July

However, the Ghanaian's identity was not confirmed at that time.

The case was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service in December 2024, during which time Partey continued to play for Arsenal. It is said the club offered him a new contract at the end of the season, although no agreement was reached.

Upon the confirmation of the charges earlier this month, Arsenal released an official statement, stating: "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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Thomas Partey

PA

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The Ghanaian was first arrested over three years ago

Ahead of the Gunners’ pre-season tour in Singapore, Arteta gave his confidence to the club’s handling of the situation.

He said: "The club was very clear in its statement. There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated, so I cannot comment on any of that."

When asked if he feels confident that the club had followed the correct processes, Arteta replied: "100 per cent."

The midfielder is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 5.

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On the day of his charge, Partey's lawyer Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman and Rose, released a statement reading: "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."

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Mikel Arteta

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Mikel Arteta insisted he is '100 per cent' confident that the club handled proceedings correctly

The Met Police also stated: "The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which commenced in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape."

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team led the investigation, said: "Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward."

Partey joined the Gunners from Atletico Madrid in a £45million deal in 2020 and has been a pivotal member in Arteta’s squad since.

Partey played a starring role in Arteta’s side this year, making 52 appearances across all competitions until, after five years and 167 appearances at the club, leaving the club in July.

The 32-year-old has also made 51 appearances for his native Ghana, whom he currently captains.