Arteta breaks silence on Thomas Partey rape charges

 Mikel Arteta has defended Arsenal's handling of Thomas Partey, who was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault days after his contract at the Emirates expired.

The Gunners boss insisted that the club '100 per cent' followed the 'right processes' amid widespread criticism following the revelation that complaints were made about the midfielder almost a year before his first arrest in 2022.

Partey is accused of attacking three women between 2021 and 2022. He was first arrested in July 2022 but The Telegraph claimed to have seen definitive evidence that Arsenal, the FA, and the Premier League were aware of concerns as early as September 2021.

Reportedly, no formal investigation was launched in the wake of that, because they fell outside the FA's safeguarding responsibility for adults and minors 'at risk' in the sport.

Partey left Arsenal last month following the expiry of his contract, with reports suggesting negotiations over a new deal had stalled weeks earlier.

Speaking ahead of the start of his side's pre-season tour of Asia, Arteta insisted he was unable to comment on the 'very complicated' legal matter but did maintain that the club acted in the correct manner.

As reported by ESPN, when pushed on whether he believes the club followed the right processes, Arteta replied: '100 per cent.'

The charges against Partey follow a three-year investigation by Scotland Yard and came just five days after his Arsenal contract expired on June 30.

He is currently without a club after five Premier League seasons at the Emirates.

The Ghana international midfielder is accused of five counts of rape. Two counts of rape relate to one woman and three counts of rape relate to a second woman.

The one count of sexual assault relates to a third woman. None of the alleged victims can be named. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5.

The Crown Prosecution Service has said the charges came after it 'carefully reviewed a comprehensive file of evidence'.

Partey 'denies all the charges against him' and 'welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name', his lawyer said.

The Metropolitan Police said the investigation into Thomas Partey began in February 2022 after officers first received a report of rape.

He was first arrested in July 2022, though he was not named at the time and continued to play for Arsenal while investigations were ongoing.

He played more than 50 games for Arsenal while on bail, it has emerged.

In a statement, his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire, of Hickman and Rose, said: 'Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him.

Allegations about Partey were raised to Arsenal, FA, and PL 'almost a YEAR' before his arrest

'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.'

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.