Mikel Arteta lifts lid on Arsenal stance after Thomas Partey rape charges

Mikel Arteta claims that Arsenal followed the right processes when dealing with Thomas Partey, who was under police investigation while he was playing for the club.

Partey was charged on July 4 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving three different women.

The alleged offences date back to incidents said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022. The 32-year-old denies all charges.

Partey left Arsenal on a free transfer after his contract expired on June 30, and just four days later the charges were announced.

Arsenal have so far declined to comment in detail, citing ongoing legal proceedings.

Speaking in Singapore at the start of Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia, Arteta said: “The club was very clear in its statement.

“There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated so I cannot comment on any of that.”

He was then asked: “A lot of fans have questions over the way in which the matter was handled by the club. Do you feel confident and comfortable that the club followed all the right processes in that?”

He responded: “100 per cent, yes.”

Partey had his best season since joining the Gunners from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for over £40million last term, making 52 appearances, scoring four goals and providing three assists across all competitions.

He played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s successful Champions League quarter-final victories over Real Madrid.

Partey has been linked with a move to several clubs, including Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus. Saudi Pro League clubs are also interested in acquiring his services.