Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey appeared at Westminster magistrates’ court at an initial hearing in London on Tuesday after being charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The charges relate to three women and are alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022, with the Metropolitan Police starting their investigation into Partey, 32, in February 2022 when they received a report of rape.
The five charges of rape relate to alleged incidents that took place between April 21 and May 31, 2021, April and June 2021, in December 2021, February 2022 and June 2022. The charge of sexual assault relates to an alleged incident in February 2022.
Partey was not asked to submit a plea, but has previously denied the charges.
He was granted conditional bail at Tuesday’s hearing.
As per the conditions of his bail, Partey must inform police of any international travel 24 hours in advance, and must not contact the complainants, directly or indirectly.
The Ghana international, who is close to joining La Liga team Villarreal on a free transfer, is scheduled to next appear in court on September 2 at the Old Bailey in London.
Partey arrived at court on Tuesday in a people carrier with his legal representatives, dressed in black, and declined to speak to media outside.
He had been the subject of an investigation that first started in February 2022 and had continued playing for Arsenal prior to the expiration of his contract in June 2025. He was charged on July 4.
In April, The Athletic reported that Partey was in talks over remaining at the Emirates Stadium but an agreement could not be reached on the terms of a deal.
Partey made 52 appearances for Arsenal during the 2024-25 campaign. He joined the club from Atletico Madrid for €50 million (now £45.4m, $58.7m) in 2020.
He has already undergone a medical with Villarreal and is expected to join the Champions League team shortly.
Arsenal host Villarreal in a pre-season friendly at the Emirates on Wednesday.
(Photo:Â Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images))