Arteta Reacts To Rape Charges—Claims Arsenal Stayed Clean Amid Partey Controversy

Thomas Partey officially departed Arsenal following the expiration of his contract on June 30, 2025.

Just four days after his exit, serious allegations surfaced against the 32-year-old Ghanaian midfielder. Reports revealed that Partey is facing five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, related to incidents involving three different women between 2021 and 2022. The charges were confirmed by a statement from the UK’s Metropolitan Police on July 4.

Ahead of Arsenal’s pre-season match against AC Milan in Singapore, manager Mikel Arteta was questioned about the club’s handling of the matter during Partey’s tenure.

Responding, Arteta said, “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 pressed on whether he fully trusts Arsenal’s internal protocols, he replied, “100%, yes.”

The charges involve a complex legal timeline. Two rape charges stem from allegations by one woman, three from another, and the sexual assault charge involves a third complainant. Partey, through his legal team, has denied all allegations, expressing his desire to “finally clear his name.”

Authorities reportedly began investigating the matter in February 2022, following the first complaint.

Partey, who joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in 2020 for £45 million, was a key figure in the Gunners’ midfield. Last season, he played 35 Premier League games, netting four goals. He also made 12 appearances in the UEFA Champions League, helping Arsenal reach the semi-finals before losing to eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain.

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

Meanwhile, Arsenal continues their pre-season tour with fixtures against Inter Milan (Wednesday, 12:30 p.m.), Newcastle United (Sunday, July 27), and Tottenham Hotspur (Wednesday, July 31, 12:30 p.m.).