Arteta addresses partey’s exit amidst rape & sexual assault charges

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta on Monday publicly addressed the club’s handling of Thomas Partey’s depture, just days after the Ghana international midfielder was arrested and subsequently charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

The charges relate to alleged incidents between 2021 and 2022.

Partey, whose contract with Arsenal concluded on June 30, was not offered a new deal by the club.

His arrest and the announcement of charges by British police followed shortly after his official exit.

The 32-year-old is now slated to appear before magistrates in London on August 5.

In a statement released on July 4, the same day Partey was taken into custody, Arsenal confirmed his contract status and stated their inability to comment further due to the ongoing legal proceedings.

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“The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case,” the statement read.

Arteta’s defense comes as the situation draws considerable attention, particularly given the close timing between Partey’s contract expiration and the public revelation of the serious allegations.

The case adds a complex layer to Arsenal’s recent transfer decisions and public relations strategy.

The club faces scrutiny over the information it possessed regarding the allegations prior to Partey’s contract conclusion and the transparency surrounding his departure.