Mikel Arteta breaks silence on Thomas Partey rape charges after Arsenal exit

Mikel Arteta firmly believes that Arsenal followed the correct processes before Thomas Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. Three women reported the alleged incidents, which are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.

Partey, who denies all the charges against him, became the subject of a Metropolitan Police investigation in July 2022, and the case was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service in December 2024. The Ghanaian's identity was not disclosed until he was charged four days after his Arsenal contract expired on June 30. He had remained a key player under Arteta throughout the course of the investigation and there had even been talk of a new contract earlier this year.

After Partey was charged, Arsenal released the following statement: "The player's contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case."

Arteta was unable to add much when facing the media at the start of a pre-season tour in Asia. Asked about how he reacted to Partey being charged, he 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."

But when pressed on whether he felt Arsenal had followed the right processes while Partey was under investigation, Arteta added: "100 per cent."

Partey, who scored nine goals in 167 games for Arsenal, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5.

His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, has said: "Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. 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."

Arsenal get their pre-season campaign underway against AC Milan on Wednesday, before facing off against Newcastle United at the weekend and north London rivals Tottenham next week. They will also be put through their paces by Villarreal and Athletic Club before their Premier League opener against Manchester United on August 17.

The Gunners' preparations haven't been going entirely to plan, however, as Arteta confirmed that his players were unable to get out and train on Monday due to the torrential rain in Singapore.