Mikel Arteta '100% sure' Arsenal dealt with Thomas Partey's situation in the right way
Partey, 32, left Arsenal at the end of his contract on 30 June. Just days later, on 4 July, he was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
The charges relate to offences reportedly committed in 2021 and 2022, involving three women. Two counts of rape involve one woman, while a second woman is linked to three counts of rape. The final charge pertains to sexual assault against a third woman, as reported by the BBC.
Partey, who denies the charges, has stated through his lawyer that he 'welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.' The investigation into Partey began in February 2022 after a police report of rape was filed.
While Arsenal are currently in Singapore for their pre-season tour, Arteta was asked about the club's handling of the situation at a press conference ahead of their match against AC Milan on Wednesday.
'The club was very clear in its statement,' Arteta said, adding that due to the ongoing legal proceedings, he could not comment further on the case.
When pressed further about whether the club followed the correct processes, Arteta responded confidently, saying, '100%, yes.'
Partey is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 5 August to address the charges.
Partey, who joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid for £45 million in October 2020, made 35 Premier League appearances last season, scoring four goals as the Gunners finished second.
He also played 12 times in the Champions League, helping Arsenal reach the semi-finals before they were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain, the eventual winners.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
10 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Arteta calls Arsenal's defending ‘naive' after Villarreal loss
Arsenal were naive in their defending and paid a painful price, manager Mikel Arteta said after his side's 3-2 friendly defeat against Villarreal left them with back-to-back pre-season losses. Arsenal, who started their preparations for the new season with victories over AC Milan and Newcastle United before losing to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, found themselves trailing 2-0 inside 33 minutes against Spanish side Villarreal at the Emirates on Wednesday. 'Today I think the result is painful. I think they were super efficient but we've been naive, especially the way we have defended in open spaces and that's something that, especially the way we play, we have to absolutely nail,' Arteta told reporters. 'Today we haven't been good at all in that department and that has cost us the game for sure.' Arteta, however, was pleased with what he saw from striker Viktor Gyokeres, who completed his 63.5 million euros ($74.14 million) switch from Sporting last month, after handing the 27-year-old Swede his first start in an Arsenal shirt. 'I think it was very important for him to start a match and start to have the feeling and the connection with the team,' Arteta said. 'He's been with us only a week or so, but I really saw a lot of things and a lot of purpose, especially the way he was attacking certain spaces.' Arteta also heaped praise on highly rated 15-year-old attacking midfielder Max Dowman, who won a penalty for Arsenal. 'He continues to impress, without a doubt. The impact he had in the game again today, the efficiency that he shows in every attack and action, it's incredible,' the Spaniard added.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Benjamin Sesko decides: Slovenian closing in on €75m-move to Manchester United, snubbing Newcastle in the process
Manchester United are on the verge of securing a deal for Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko, edging ahead of Newcastle United in the race to sign the 22-year-old from RB Leipzig. The Red Devils and Newcastle have both made bids for Sesko, with Newcastle initially offering €75 million plus €5 million in add-ons, before raising their offer to €80 million. Manchester United responded within 24 hours with a proposal of €75 million plus €10 million. Despite Newcastle's increased bid, Sesko has expressed a strong desire to join Manchester United, a preference that has shifted the balance in United's favour, as reported by The Athletic's David Ornstein. 🚨 Manchester United closing in on deal to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. #RBLeipzig accepted €82.5m + €2.5m bid from Newcastle United but 22yo striker wants #MUFC. No club-to-club agreement yet but talks advancing towards conclusion @TheAthleticFC — David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 6, 2025 Although no final agreement has been made between the clubs yet, talks are progressing to meet Leipzig's expectations for the transfer. Sesko's decision to opt for United is significant, even though Newcastle have offered a higher fee and the attraction of Champions League football. The forward had an impressive season in 2024-2025, scoring 21 goals across all competitions for Leipzig. Since joining from RB Salzburg in 2023, Sesko has netted 39 goals and provided eight assists in 87 appearances. Sesko is recognised for his physicality and goal-scoring ability. Standing at 6ft 5in, the striker has drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland due to his speed, powerful finishing, and aggression. While not yet at Haaland's level, his potential is undeniable. However, signing a player of Sesko's calibre brings its own challenges. His physical attributes could make him well-suited to the Premier League, but whether he can handle the intense scrutiny at a club like Manchester United remains to be seen. Sesko's preference for Manchester United was also reported by veteran transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. United's interest in Sesko comes as part of an ongoing search for attacking reinforcements. This summer, the club has also added forwards Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. Earlier in the summer, the club looked into the possibility of signing Liam Delap, but the striker opted for a move to Chelsea. United's offensive overhaul continues as they look to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts in the upcoming season.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Slot pins hope on Wirtz's creativity
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz has pulled the strings for his unbeaten team this season. Photo: AFP Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid has left Liverpool wanting for creativity but the signing of attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz can help offset that deficiency, the Premier League club's manager Arne Slot said. Liverpool smashed their transfer record in June to sign Wirtz and bolster their attacking options, with the German international having scored 57 goals and provided 65 assists in 197 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen. Wirtz played in a Liverpool shirt for the first time at Anfield on Monday, putting in an impressive performance in the Merseyside club's 3-2 win over Athletic Bilbao in a pre-season match. "I think there's always room for improvement in every department. Like I said, we've added a few, in my opinion, extra weapons. So, Florian (Wirtz) has a lot of creativity in the final third," Slot told reporters. "We've lost with Trent (Alexander-Arnold) a lot of creativity from the back. Trent's crosses and picking out runners was so special — I think Flo has this quality as well in a totally different position. "But he brings that creativity, the pace of Hugo (Ekitike), the pace of both full-backs — Milos (Kerkez) and Jeremie (Frimpong) today." Liverpool, who won the Premier League to secure a record-equalling 20th English title, have been busy in the transfer market as they look to build on last season's success. Slot said it was crucial to strengthen the squad. "Our competitors are not sitting still," he added. "Not only they try to improve as well but they have also made a lot of signings, like we all have done. So that's why it's going to be a very interesting Premier League in the upcoming year again." Liverpool take on FA Cup winners Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on August 10, before beginning their Premier League title defence against Bournemouth at Anfield on August 15.
