Arteta finally speaks out on former Arsenal star allegedly charged with rape

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta insists the club "followed proper procedures 100%" despite criticism following revelations that complaints against Thomas Partey existed almost a year before his first arrest in 2022.

Partey was accused of assaulting three women between 2021 and 2022. He was first arrested in July 2022, but The Telegraph claims to have evidence that Arsenal, the Football Association (FA), and the Premier League were aware of concerns as early as September 2021.

Reportedly, no formal investigation was launched at the time because the case did not fall under the FA's jurisdiction regarding adults and "at-risk" minors involved in sports.

Partey left Arsenal last month after his contract expired, with reports suggesting that negotiations for a new deal stalled several weeks earlier.

Speaking ahead of the club's pre-season tour of Asia, via Sportal, Arteta said he could not comment on the "very complicated" legal situation, but stressed that the club had acted correctly.

As reported by ESPN, when asked if he believed Arsenal followed the correct procedures, Arteta replied: "One hundred percent." The charges against Partey followed a three-year investigation by London's Metropolitan Police and were brought just five days after his Arsenal contract expired on June 30th. He is currently without a club after five seasons in the Premier League with Arsenal.

The Ghanaian midfielder faces five counts of rape – two charges relating to one woman and three to another. He is also charged with sexually assaulting a third woman. None of the alleged victims can be named. Partey is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5th.

Prosecutors stated that the charges were brought after "careful consideration of a substantial file of evidence." Partey's lawyer has stated that "he denies all the charges" and "welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name."

The Metropolitan Police said the investigation into Partey began in February 2022, following the first report of rape. Although initially arrested in July 2022, his name was not released at the time, and he continued to play for Arsenal during the investigation – featuring in over 50 matches while on bail.

In a statement, his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman and Rose said: "Thomas denies all the charges against him. He has fully co-operated with the police and the CPS throughout this three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given the ongoing legal proceedings, my client will not be making any further comment."

Detective Superintendent Andy Fafinski, who is leading the investigation, said: "Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward. We urge anyone affected by this case or who has information to please contact our team."