Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta declares full confidence in the club's procedures regarding the Thomas Partey case, who is currently accused of serious crimes against three different women.
The Metropolitan Police investigation began in February 2022, officially raising five rape charges and one sexual assault charge. The accusations cover the period from 2021 to 2022 and include various incidents with three separate women.
The 32-year-old Ghana midfielder left the team at the end of his contract on June 30, with the charges being officially raised just four days later. Partey's lawyer categorically denies all accusations and states that his client is awaiting an opportunity to prove his innocence.
During a press conference in Singapore, during the team's pre-season tour, Arteta was directly asked about the procedures surrounding the case. The manager responded unequivocally that the club has been "100% correct" and that legal matters are extremely complicated.
Partey was initially purchased from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 for £45 million. In the past season, he played 35 matches in the Premier League, scoring four goals, and contributed to the team's second-place finish in the championship.
The footballer also made a significant contribution in European club tournaments, playing 12 matches in the Champions League, reaching the semi-finals, where the team was eliminated by Paris St-Germain.
The upcoming court hearing is scheduled for August 5 at Westminster Magistrates' Court, which will be a key moment in resolving this extremely sensitive case.
The case raises serious questions about internal verification procedures and ethical standards in football clubs, with the sports community's attention focused on the investigation's development.
Arsenal continues its preparation for the new season, currently on a pre-season tour in Asia, which includes matches against AC Milan and Newcastle, before traveling to Hong Kong for a match with Tottenham.