Thomas Partey on his way to court yesterday
FORMER ARSENAL footballer Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after being charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The 32-year-old Ghanaian appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, charged with five counts of rape against two women, and a charge of sexual assault against a third woman.
The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022 when he was playing for north London club Arsenal.
He was charged four days after leaving Arsenal when his contract expired at the end of June. His next appearance is at the Old Bailey on 2 September.
Partey was wearing a black zip-neck jumper, black trousers and carried a navy blazer as he entered court. He stood with his arms behind his back in the dock.
He spoke to confirm his name and confirmed he understood his bail conditions.
His bail conditions state he cannot contact any of the three women and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel.
The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which started in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape.
Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire previously said he “denies all the charges against him”, adding he welcomed “the opportunity to finally clear his name”.
Thomas Partey is close to completing a move to Villarreal, having undergone a medical ahead of signing a two-year contract that will keep him at the Spanish club until 2027.
The midfielder who became a free agent after leaving Arsenal at the end of his contract in June, was reportedly keen to remain in a club competing in the UEFA Champions League—a key factor in his decision to join Villarreal.
Partey had been in discussions over a possible extension with Arsenal, but the two parties were unable to reach an agreement, according to The Athletic.
The midfielder spent four seasons at Arsenal after joining from Atlético Madrid in 2020 for €50 million. He made 167 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals, and featured in multiple roles, including central midfield and right-back. In the 2024/25 season alone, he played 52 matches across all competitions.