Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is “100%” confident the club followed the right procedures in how it handled former midfielder Thomas Partey’s situation, after the player was charged with multiple counts of rape.
Partey, officially left Arsenal when his contract expired on June 30. Just four days later, on July 4, the Metropolitan Police confirmed he had been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
According to the police, the alleged offences involve three women and reportedly ocurred in 2021 and 2022. Two of the rape charges relate to one woman, while three others are linked to a second woman. The sexual assault charge concerns a third woman.
Partey, who joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid for £45 million in October 2020, denies all charges. His lawyer says he “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.” The investigation began in February 2022, when police first received a report of rape.
Speaking in Singapore during Arsenal’s pre-season tour, Arteta addressed the issue during a press conference ahead of their upcoming friendly against AC Milan.“The club was very clear in its statement,” Arteta said. “There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated, so I cannot comment on any of that.”
When asked if he was confident that the club handled the matter appropriately, Arteta replied firmly: “100%, yes.”
Arsenal are currently in Singapore, where they will play AC Milan and Newcastle before heading to Hong Kong to face Tottenham.
Last season, Partey featured 35 times in the Premier League, scoring four goals as Arsenal finished second. He also played in 12 Champions League matches, helping the Gunners reach the semi-finals before losing to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain. Partey is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5.
