Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey charged with rape and sexual assault

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, the Metropolitan Police announced.

The 32-year-old Ghanaian international faces charges relating to alleged offences against three women between 2021 and 2022. Two counts of rape relate to one woman, three counts of rape concern a second woman, and one count of sexual assault involves a third woman.

Partey is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 5 August.

The charges follow a Metropolitan Police investigation that began in February 2022 after officers received an initial rape report.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, leading the investigation, said: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward. We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing CIT@met.police.uk.”

Partey’s contract with Arsenal expired on Monday following four years with the London club. Arsenal have been contacted for comment.

The midfielder joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid for £45.3 million in October 2020. He made 35 Premier League appearances last season, scoring four goals as Arsenal finished second in the table.

Partey also featured in 12 Champions League matches as Arsenal reached the semi-finals before elimination by eventual winners Paris St-Germain. He made 130 Premier League appearances for Arsenal under manager Mikel Arteta, scoring nine goals overall.