Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed full confidence that the club acted appropriately in its handling of former midfielder Thomas Partey, who is now facing multiple criminal charges in the UK.
Speaking during a press conference in Singapore ahead of Arsenal’s pre-season fixture against AC Milan, Arteta stated he was “100%” certain that the club followed the correct procedures regarding Partey, who was under police investigation during his time at the club.
Partey, 32, departed Arsenal upon the expiration of his contract on 30 June 2025. Just four days later, on 4 July, the Ghanaian international was formally charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, according to a statement issued by the Metropolitan Police.
The charges relate to alleged incidents involving three women, with the offences reported to have occurred in 2021 and 2022. Specifically, two counts of rape involve one woman, another three counts relate to a second woman, and the sexual assault charge concerns a third.
Partey has denied all allegations. His lawyer has publicly stated that the midfielder “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
The police investigation began in February 2022, following an initial report of rape. Despite the ongoing inquiry, Partey remained with the club and played a key role in Arsenal’s campaign last season, making 35 Premier League appearances and scoring four goals. He also featured 12 times in the Champions League, helping the Gunners reach the semi-finals before being eliminated by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain.
Arteta, when pressed on the matter by reporters, emphasized the club’s stance:
“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 whether he was confident the club had followed the appropriate protocols in light of fans’ concerns, Arteta firmly responded:
“100%, yes.”
Partey is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 5 August 2025.
He joined Arsenal in October 2020 from Atlético Madrid for £45 million and made over 100 appearances for the club across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Arsenal continue their preparations for the upcoming season with matches against Milan and Newcastle in Singapore, before traveling to Hong Kong to face rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
