Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has finally addressed the controversy surrounding former Gunners midfielder Thomas Partey, who now faces five counts of rape and one charge of sexual assault. The charges were made public shortly after Partey’s contract with the club expired on June 30, 2025, ending his five-year tenure with the North London club.
Arteta: “We Followed Proper Procedures 100%”
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia, Arteta maintained that the club acted appropriately throughout the ordeal. “One hundred percent,” Arteta affirmed when asked if Arsenal had handled the matter correctly, as reported by ESPN. He emphasized that while the legal case is “very complicated,” the club abided by its internal and legal responsibilities at every step.
The club has come under scrutiny following reports from The Telegraph that allegations against Partey were known as early as September 2021, nearly a year before his first arrest in July 2022. Despite the early complaints, no formal investigation was launched at the time, reportedly due to jurisdictional boundaries that excluded the Football Association (FA) and Premier League from acting unless minors or “at-risk adults” were involved.
What We Know About the Charges
According to a statement from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the charges against Partey stem from a three-year investigation led by the Metropolitan Police. He is accused of:
– Raping two women: two counts involving one woman, three involving another
– Sexually assaulting a third woman
The alleged incidents occurred between 2021 and 2022. Partey is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, 2025. Under UK law, none of the alleged victims can be publicly named.
Partey Maintains Innocence
Partey has denied all allegations. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman and Rose, issued a statement affirming that the Ghanaian international “has fully cooperated with the police and the CPS throughout this three-year investigation” and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
Despite being arrested in July 2022, Partey remained unnamed by authorities at the time and continued playing for Arsenal, appearing in more than 50 matches while on bail.
Arsenal’s Quiet Departure from the Case
The timing of the charges—just five days after his contract ended—has sparked renewed debate over how much Arsenal, the FA, and the Premier League knew, and when. Critics argue that the club should have acted more decisively once the first complaints emerged in 2021. Arteta, however, has stood firm in defense of the club’s internal processes.
The FA has not commented publicly, citing the lack of jurisdiction. The Metropolitan Police, meanwhile, have reiterated their commitment to supporting the women involved. Detective Superintendent Andy Fafinski urged anyone with information related to the case to contact authorities.
As the football world watches the unfolding legal battle, questions remain over institutional accountability and how top clubs handle serious allegations against their players. For now, Mikel Arteta has drawn a clear line, asserting Arsenal did its part. The courts will now decide Thomas Partey’s fate.
Next Steps:
– August 5, 2025 – Partey’s scheduled court appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court
– Ongoing updates expected from legal proceedings and Arsenal’s internal reviews
Stay tuned for verified updates as this case continues to develop.
– Deeprows Sports
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