Arsenal statement as Thomas Partey charged with rape

Thomas Partey in action for Arsenal last season (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Former Arsenal defensive midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with rape and sexual assault just after leaving the Emirates Stadium at the end of his contract.

The Ghana international was a key player for the Gunners before being allowed to leave the club as a free agent this summer.

Now, however, Partey has some very serious allegations being made against him, with both his lawyers and Arsenal making statements about the story.

According to the BBC, the charges are of five counts of rape and one of sexual assault involving three women, with the alleged incidents taking place between 2021 and 2022.

Thomas Partey in action for Arsenal (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Thomas Partey’s lawyer speaks out while Arsenal won’t comment on case

Partey’s lawyer is quoted as saying that the 32-year-old “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name”.

Meanwhile, the BBC’s Sami Mokbel quoted the following Arsenal statement on the case…

Exc: Statement from Arsenal regarding Thomas Partey being charged today: “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.” @BBCSport

— Sami Mokbel (@SamiMokbel_BBC) July 4, 2025

“The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case,” the north London club said.

Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid back in 2020 and played regularly for Mikel Arteta’s side, apart from a season largely disrupted by injuries in 2023/24.

Arsenal fans will no doubt be rocked by these very serious allegations, however, and it will be interesting to follow how the case develops from here.