Breaking - Arsenal release statement after Thomas Partey is charged with rape

Arsenal have released a statement midfielder Thomas Partey, who departed the club on Monday, June 30, was charged with rape by the Metropolitan Police.

Partey came to the end of his contract at the Emirates Stadium earlier this week without signing a new deal, therefore has become a free agent in search of his next club.

On Friday the Metropolitan Police confirmed they had charged the 32-year-old, of Hertfordshire, with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

READ MORE: Thomas Partey's lawyer releases statement after ex-Arsenal star charged with five counts of rape

READ MORE: Former Arsenal star Thomas Partey charged with rape by Metropolitan Police

A statement read: "The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge a man after a file of evidence was submitted by detectives."

Now the Gunners, via BBC Sport, have followed up with their own statement released on Friday night.

"The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case," the club told BBC Sport.

Partey is to now appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 5. A spokesperson for the Met Police said two counts of rape relate to one woman, while three counts of rape relate to a second woman. The one count of sexual assault relates to a third woman.

"The offences are reported to have taken place between 2021 and 2022," the Met Police said. "The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which commenced in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape."

Jaswant Narwal, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised the prosecution of Thomas Partey for multiple counts of rape – after carefully reviewing a comprehensive file of evidence. Our prosecutors have worked closely with officers in the Metropolitan Police who have carried out the investigation, to review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charges.

"We remind everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. We know there will be significant public interest in this announcement, but it is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

The investigation into Partey had begun in 2022, though previously he had not been named for legal reasons.

The Ghanaian international had continued to play for Arsenal despite the investigation, but as stated left the club on June 30 when his contract expired.

He made 52 appearances during the 2024/25 campaign as the Gunners finished as Premier League runners-up and reached the Champions League semi-finals. Mikel Arteta had heaped praise on his midfielder earlier this year and insisted the club wanted to renew his contract, though an agreement was not reached.

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."