Ghana and former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, Afrosport reports.
London Metropolitan Police revealed that the charges, involving three women, relate to offences reported to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.
The charges include two counts of rape in relation to one woman, three counts of rape involving a different woman, and one count of sexual assault connected to a third woman.
Partey, who has denied the charges through his lawyer, is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Tuesday, 5 August.
“Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him” his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said in a statement. “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.”
The 32-year-old was at Arsenal for five years, having joined in a £45 million deal from Atletico Madrid in October 2020. He departed the club on Monday following the expiration of his contract.
The Met Police revealed that the “charges follow an investigation by detectives, which commenced in February 2022” after they first received a report of rape.
Partey was reportedly arrested in July 2022, but his identity was kept hidden. He continued to play for Arsenal as investigations continued.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.
“We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing CIT@met.police.uk”
The Ghana international played 167 times for the Gunners, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists, including scoring four goals in 35 matches as they finished second in the Premier League last term.
Partey made 12 appearances in the Champions League last season as Arsenal got to the semi-finals before being eliminated by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain.
He currently captains the Black Stars of Ghana, with 14 goals and 51 appearances under his belt at international level.
