LONDON — Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail following his appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday to face multiple rape and sexual assault charges.
The 32-year-old Ghanaian international has been charged with five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault involving a third woman. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022, during his tenure as an Arsenal player.
British police confirmed that the investigation began in February 2022 after the first complaint was lodged. The charges were formally filed just days after Partey’s contract with Arsenal expired on June 30, ending his four-year spell with the club.
In court, Partey stood in the dock with his arms behind his back, dressed in a black zip-neck jumper. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, reiterated that he “denies all the charges” and emphasized that the midfielder “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
Partey, who joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 for £45 million ($60 million), made 167 appearances for the North London club, scoring nine goals. He featured 52 times last season alone, finding the net four times.
On the international stage, Partey has earned 51 caps for the Ghana national team, playing pivotal roles in multiple Africa Cup of Nations campaigns.
Arsenal issued a brief statement confirming his departure but declined to comment on the case due to the ongoing legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, speculation over Partey’s future continues, with Spanish La Liga club Villarreal reportedly showing interest in signing the midfielder.
The case is expected to return to court later this year as proceedings advance.
