Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Tuesday to face multiple charges of rape and sexual assault.
The 32-year-old Ghanaian international, who recently became a free agent following the expiration of his Arsenal contract in June, has been charged with five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault involving a third. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022.
As part of his bail conditions, Partey must not contact any of the complainants and is required to inform police of any permanent changes to his address or any international travel.
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Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring noted during proceedings: “I understand he’s no longer employed in this country and is now playing in Spain,” in reference to reports linking Partey with a move to La Liga side Villarreal.
Partey arrived at court dressed in a dark zip-up jumper and carrying a suit jacket. During the hearing, he stood silently in the dock with his hands behind his back.
His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, has previously stated that Partey “denies all the charges against him” and welcomes the opportunity “to finally clear his name.”
The Metropolitan Police began investigating Partey in February 2022 after receiving the first report of rape. He was formally charged on 4 July 2025, shortly after his departure from Arsenal.
Partey is scheduled to appear at London’s Old Bailey on 2 September.
He joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atlético Madrid in a £45.3 million (€52.1 million) transfer. During his time in Spain, he won both La Liga and the Europa League, and he helped Arsenal finish as Premier League runners-up in each of the past three seasons. Internationally, Partey has earned 51 caps for Ghana.
