Mikel Arteta backs Arsenal's handling of Thomas Partey’s legal situation

Arteta states he is "100%" confident club followed all legal processes in Thomas Partey's rape charges case

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence that the club followed the correct procedures when handling the situation with former midfielder Thomas Partey, who is currently under police investigation for multiple counts of rape.

Partey, 32, left Arsenal at the end of his contract on 30 June. Just days later, on 4 July, he was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

The charges relate to offences reportedly committed in 2021 and 2022, involving three women. Two counts of rape involve one woman, while a second woman is linked to three counts of rape. The final charge pertains to sexual assault against a third woman, as reported by the BBC.

Partey, who denies the charges, has stated through his lawyer that he “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.” The investigation into Partey began in February 2022 after a police report of rape was filed.

While Arsenal are currently in Singapore for their pre-season tour, Arteta was asked about the club’s handling of the situation at a press conference ahead of their match against AC Milan on Wednesday.

“The club was very clear in its statement,” Arteta said, adding that due to the ongoing legal proceedings, he could not comment further on the case.

When pressed further about whether the club followed the correct processes, Arteta responded confidently, saying, “100%, yes.”

Partey is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 5 August to address the charges.

Partey, who joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid for £45 million in October 2020, made 35 Premier League appearances last season, scoring four goals as the Gunners finished second.

He also played 12 times in the Champions League, helping Arsenal reach the semi-finals before they were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain, the eventual winners.