MIKEL ARTETA insists he is “100 per cent” confident that Arsenal followed the correct processes regarding the club’s handling of Thomas Partey.
Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by the Metropolitan Police Service on July 4 – four days after his Gunners contract expired.
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The offences relate to three women and are alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022 – with the 32-year-old appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5.
Partey – who denies all the charges – was first arrested in July 2022 but not named while continuing to play for the club as investigations were ongoing.
A statement from Partey’s lawyer said: “Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him.
“He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
And an Arsenal statement read: “The player’s contract ended on 30 June. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.”
The timing of the charges – less than a week after his contract at Arsenal expired – has been the subject of intense discussion and scrutiny.
Questions have been raised as to why the club did not suspend Partey, as well as reports that the club were in talks with the midfielder over a new contract in the weeks leading up to his charges.
And speaking for the first time since Partey was charged, during a press conference on their pre-season tour of Singapore, 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.”
Pressed on if he felt confident and comfortable that the club followed all the right processes, Arteta added: “100 per cent.”