Arteta Insists Arsenal Acted Properly in Handling Thomas Partey Case

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed full confidence in the club’s conduct regarding former midfielder Thomas Partey, who is now facing multiple serious criminal charges.

Partey, who departed Arsenal at the end of his contract on June 30, was formally charged days later with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. According to a statement issued by the Metropolitan Police on July 4, the alleged incidents occurred between 2021 and 2022 and involve three separate women. Two of the rape charges concern one individual, three more are linked to another, and the sexual assault allegation pertains to a third woman.

Partey, 32, has denied all allegations, with his legal team stating that he looks forward to the opportunity to clear his name in court.

The police began their investigation in February 2022 following an initial report of rape.

Speaking at a press conference in Singapore ahead of Arsenal’s pre-season clash with AC Milan, Arteta was questioned about the club’s handling of the situation during Partey’s time at the Emirates.

“The club made its position very clear in its statement,” Arteta said. “There are legal complexities, so I can’t go into detail.”

When asked whether he believed the club had acted appropriately throughout the process, the Arsenal boss was emphatic: “100%, yes.”

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

The Ghanaian international joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 for a reported fee of £45 million. Last season, he featured in 35 Premier League matches, scoring four goals, and appeared 12 times in the Champions League as the North London side advanced to the semi-finals before being eliminated by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.

Arsenal’s pre-season schedule continues with fixtures against Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong following their game against Milan.