Former Arsenal star Thomas Partey charged with rape and sexual assault

Thomas Partey, the former Arsenal footballer, is facing severe legal charges, as the Metropolitan Police have confirmed he has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. These alleged offenses are reported to have taken place over a period from 2021 to 2022.

The charges involve three separate women. Specifically, two counts of rape relate to one woman, three counts of rape are connected to a second woman, and one count of sexual assault is linked to a third woman.

Partey, 32, concluded his contract with Arsenal on Monday, after having played for the London club since October 2020 when he joined for £45.3 million from Atletico Madrid. BBC News has reached out to Arsenal for comment regarding the charges.

The charges are the result of an extensive investigation by detectives, which commenced in February 2022 after police initially received a report of rape. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, leading the investigation, emphasized the priority of supporting the women who have come forward and urged anyone impacted or with information to contact the police.

Partey is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 5. During his tenure at Arsenal, he made 130 Premier League appearances, scoring nine goals. Last season, he played 35 top-flight matches, contributing to Arsenal's second-place finish in the Premier League, and also featured 12 times in the Champions League as the Gunners reached the semi-finals.