Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has firmly backed the club’s handling of Thomas Partey’s situation, stating that he is “100%” confident the club acted appropriately during the Ghanaian midfielder’s time at the Emirates.
Partey, who departed Arsenal at the end of June upon the expiration of his contract, was charged days later by the Crown Prosecution Service with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, involving allegations from three women dating between 2021 and 2022. Partey denies all charges.
Despite being arrested in July 2022 and under police investigation since then, Partey continued to feature for Arsenal over the past two seasons. The CPS took over the case in December 2024.
Speaking to reporters in Singapore ahead of Arsenal’s pre-season tour in Asia, Arteta addressed the issue carefully.
“The club was very clear in its statement,” Arteta said. “There are legal matters which are very complex, and I can’t speak on them.”
When pressed on whether he believed the club acted appropriately during the investigation, Arteta responded firmly: “100%.”
Arsenal previously released a statement following news of the charges: “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.”
Before his exit, there had even been speculation about a contract extension, with Arteta suggesting in May that Partey remained part of the club’s plans.
Arsenal now moves forward with their preparations for the upcoming season, while legal proceedings surrounding the former midfielder continue.
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