Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has declined to offer further remarks regarding the legal case surrounding Ghanaian international Thomas Partey, following the club’s official statement earlier this month.
On 4 July 2025, British media outlets reported that Partey, 32, had been formally charged with multiple offences, including the rape of two women and sexual assault of a third.
The alleged incidents are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022, during his time as an Arsenal player.
Through his legal representative, Jenny Wiltshire, Partey has firmly denied all allegations. In a public statement issued shortly after the charges were announced, Wiltshire said the midfielder “denies all charges against him” and “cooperated fully with the police and the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) during the three-year investigation.” She added that Partey “now welcomes the opportunity to clear his name.”
The North London club issued a brief response confirming that Partey’s contract had ended on 30 June and that, given the ongoing legal proceedings, it would not be appropriate for the club to comment further.
“The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the matter,” the statement read.
When asked about the situation during a pre-season press conference, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta echoed the club’s stance. “The club was very clear in its statement.
There are many very complex legal issues, so I can’t comment,” said Arteta. “Arsenal followed the procedure 100%.”
Arteta’s brief response underscores the sensitive nature of the situation and the club’s legal obligations as the case moves forward. While Partey is no longer contracted to Arsenal, his long association with the club has placed the matter firmly in the public spotlight.
Partey is scheduled to appear in court on 5 August to answer to the charges. The case is likely to draw further attention as it proceeds through the legal system, given the profile of the player and the gravity of the allegations.
During his time at Arsenal, Thomas Partey made over 100 appearances for the club, having joined from Atlético Madrid in 2020.
Though his on-field performances were frequently praised, the midfielder’s later years at the Emirates were marred by long-term injuries and off-field scrutiny.
Arsenal, meanwhile, continues its preparations for the upcoming Premier League season under Arteta’s leadership. With pre-season fixtures under way and several new signings in the fold, the focus inside the club remains on the pitch.
Nonetheless, the situation involving Partey serves as a stark reminder of the complexities football clubs can face when former players become involved in serious legal matters. As the case unfolds, both the club and the wider footballing community will be watching developments closely.
For now, Arsenal maintains its silence on the matter, deferring entirely to the legal process.
