Former Arsenal defensive midfielder Thomas Partey faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, the Metropolitan Police Service announced Friday.
Three different women are involved in the charges. Two counts of rape are related to one woman. Three counts of rape were reported by a different woman. The one charge of sexual assault comes from a third woman.
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All the alleged incidents reportedly took place between 2021 and 2022, while Partey was a member of Arsenal. Police opened an investigation into Partey in February 2022, after police received the first report of rape.
Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said the midfielder “denies all the charges” and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name,” per The Independent. Wiltshire added Partey has cooperated with police throughout their investigation.
Partey’s contract with Arsenal expired Monday, and the 32-year-old was reportedly fielding offers from Juventus, Barcelona and Fenerbahce, per Sky News. He spent five years with Arsenal after joining the team on a £45.3m deal. He scored nine goals in 109 starts with the team.
Prior to joining Arsenal ahead of the 2020-21 season, Partey played for Atlético Madrid. He was also loaned to Mallorca and Almería during his tenure with Atlético Madrid. Partey has also starred with the Ghanian national team since 2016.
Partey is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Aug. 5.
