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Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. <\/p>\n
The offences are reported to have taken place between 2021-2022, the Metropolitan Police said. <\/p>\n
The charges involve three women, with two counts of rape relating to one woman, three counts of rape in connection to a second woman and one count of sexual assault linked to a third woman. <\/p>\n
The Ghanaian international denies the charges and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name”, his lawyer said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The 32-year-old’s contract with Arsenal ended on Monday after playing with the team since 2020. <\/p>\n
BBC News has contacted Arsenal, the Football Association and the Premier League for comment. <\/p>\n
The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which started in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape. <\/p>\n
Det Supt Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.<\/p>\n
“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”<\/p>\n
Mr Partey, of Hertfordshire, is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 5 August. <\/p>\n
In a statement, his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said: “Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him.<\/p>\n
“He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation.<\/p>\n
“He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.<\/p>\n
“Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Mr Partey <\/b>joined Arsenal for \u00a345.3m from Atletico Madrid in October 2020, made 35 top-flight appearances last season and scored four goals as the London club finished second in the Premier League.<\/p>\n
He also played 12 times in the Champions League as the Gunners reached the semi-finals before being knocked out by eventual winners Paris St-Germain.<\/p>\n
Overall, he made 130 Premier League appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side, scoring nine goals.<\/p>\n
Mr Partey has also made more than 50 appearances for Ghana’s national team, and most recently played at World Cup qualification matches in March. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n