Keypoints:
- Arteta defends Arsenal’s conduct on Partey
- Midfielder charged after leaving the club
- Club silent due to legal proceedings
ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta has said he ‘100 percent’ believes the club acted properly in their handling of Thomas Partey, following the midfielder’s recent criminal charges.
Partey, who departed the north London club after his contract expired on June 30, was charged four days later with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed the charges earlier this month in relation to allegations made by three women, dating from 2021 to 2022. Partey denies all the allegations.
He was initially arrested in July 2022 on suspicion of rape, triggering an investigation by the Metropolitan Police. Despite the ongoing probe, Partey remained an active member of Arsenal’s squad until the end of last season. In May, Arteta had even hinted at a possible contract renewal for the Ghana international.
Speaking during a pre-season media briefing in Singapore, where Arsenal are currently touring Asia, Arteta was asked for his response to the developments.
‘The club was very clear in its statement,’ Arteta said. ‘There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated so I cannot comment on any of that.’
When pressed on whether Arsenal had followed the right procedures, he was unequivocal: ‘One hundred percent.’
Club cites legal reasons for silence
Arsenal issued a statement shortly after the CPS announcement, confirming Partey was no longer under contract. The club also declined to comment further, citing the sensitive nature of the legal case.
‘The player’s contract ended on June 30,’ the statement read. ‘Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.’
Partey joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in 2020 and made over 100 appearances for the Gunners. Though often hampered by injury, he was a central figure in Arteta’s midfield when fit.
His departure marks a sharp turn in what had been a relatively quiet off-season for Arsenal. With the squad in Asia preparing for the 2025–26 campaign, the team is missing summer signings Viktor Gyökeres and Noni Madueke. Defender Gabriel Magalhães has said Arsenal are ready to go one better in the Premier League title race, declaring: ‘This year will be different.’
As the pre-season unfolds, Partey’s case will remain an off-field concern, even as Arsenal try to focus on the pitch.
