Arteta ‘100%’ confident Arsenal followed correct processes with Partey

Mikel Arteta has no doubt Arsenal followed the right processes as a club in the case of former midfielder Thomas Partey.

Partey, 32, left Arsenal following the end of his contract on June 30 and was subsequently charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault four days later.

The alleged offences are reported to have occurred in 2021 and 2022, according to a statement by the Metropolitan Police released on July 4.

The charges, which Partey denies, concern three women. Two counts of rape relate to one woman, with three counts of rape connected to a second. The count of sexual assault involved a third woman.

Partey’s lawyer said he “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name”.

Arsenal are in Singapore for the start of their pre-season tour of Asia, and the issue of Partey’s case was put to manager Arteta during a press conference ahead of Wednesday’s game with AC Milan.

“The club was very clear in its statement,” Arteta said. “There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated so I cannot comment on any of that.”

Arsenal’s handling of the matter has attracted criticism from the club’s fans.

Asked if he felt comfortable and confident the club followed the right processes, Arteta replied: “100%, yes.”

Partey is expected to appear before Westminster Magistrates Court on August 5.

The Ghana international made 167 appearances for Arsenal after joining from Atletico Madrid in 2021.