Arsenal release statement after Thomas Partey charged with rape and sexual assault

Arsenal have released a statement after Thomas Partey was charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on Friday. The Gunners have distanced themselves from the 32-year-old midfielder, who became a free agent after his contract in North London expired at the end of June.

The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Partey with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault between 2021 and 2022. He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 5, following a three-year investigation.

A CPS statement noted that two counts of rape are related to one female, while the other three are linked to a second. Partey's sexual assault charge is in connection to a third woman.

On Friday evening, Arsenal broke their silence on the matter with a short statement to BBC Sport.

It read: "The player's contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case."

Partey was reportedly due to get married to English model and influencer Janine Mackson in Spain at the weekend.

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Whether the wedding is still set to go ahead is said to be unclear, but the Ghana international was allegedly spotted in Spain on Thursday.

Partey has denied all charges against him, with a defence lawyer telling Sky News that he is now focused on clearing his name.

"He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation," a statement read.

"He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further."

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy is helming the team that is leading the investigation. He said: "Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.

"We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing CIT@met.police.uk."

Amid the legal proceedings, Partey's professional future beyond this summer is up in the air after his Arsenal departure.

He spent five years at the Emirates Stadium after a £45million switch from Atletico Madrid in 2020, making 167 appearances but only lifting the Community Shield.