Ex-Arsenal midfielder Partey charged with rape

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by the Metropolitan Police Service.

The police said the offenses, which they say happened between 2021 and 2022, relate to two counts of rape of one woman, three counts of rape of a second woman, and a count of sexual assault of a third woman.

The force, which covers the 32 boroughs of Greater London, added that the investigation was opened in February 2022 when police first received a report of rape.

The 32-year-old will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Aug. 5.

Partey lawyer Jenny Wiltshire told Britain's Press Association that he "denies all the charges against him," adding: "He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name."

ESPN has approached Arsenal for comment.

Partey joined Arsenal in a £45 million ($61.42m) transfer from Spanish club Atlético Madrid in 2020. He has been a free agent since his Arsenal contract ended Monday.

"Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward," detective superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said in a statement.

"We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing CIT@met.police.uk."

The Ghana international made 35 Premier League appearances last season, scoring four goals as the north London club finished second in the Premier League.

He also made 12 appearances during Arsenal's run to the semifinals of the Champions League before they were knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain.

"The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised the prosecution of Thomas Partey for multiple counts of rape -- after carefully reviewing a comprehensive file of evidence," the chief crown prosecutor for CPS London north, Jaswant Narwal, said in a statement.

"Our prosecutors have worked closely with officers in the Metropolitan Police who have carried out the investigation, to review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charges.

"We remind everyone that criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial.

"We know there will be significant public interest in this announcement, but it is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.