Thomas Partey will appear in court next month (Picture: Getty)

The offences are reported to have taken place between 2021 and 2022, the Metropolitan Police said.

A statement said two counts of rape relate to one woman, while three counts of rape relate to a second woman. The alleged sexual assault related to a third woman.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said: ‘Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.

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‘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 [email protected].’

Partey made 167 appearances for the Gunners (Picture: Getty)

Partey will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Tuesday, 5 August.

The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which commenced in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape.

Partey’s Arsenal contract expired on July 1 earlier this week, but the club are yet to officially announce his departure.

But in a brief statement to the BBC, Arsenal said: ‘The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.’

Partey was still listed as an Arsenal player on the club’s website and replica shirts with his name on the back were still available to purchase shortly after news of the charges broke.

In a statement, Partey’s lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said: ‘Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him.

CPS authorise prosecution of Thomas Partey

Jaswant Narwal, of the CPS, said: ‘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.

‘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.’

‘He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.

‘Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.’

Partey, a £45m signing from Atletico Madrid, made 167 appearances for the Gunners across five seasons at the north London club.

Partey played 52 games for Arsenal last season (Picture: Getty)

He played 52 games for Mikel Arteta’s side last season as they finished second in the Premier League and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Campaigners gathered at numerous Arsenal home games last season to protest against the decision to keep playing Partey.

The Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence group wrote: ‘While we recognise that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty, we would find any scenario in which a club was to continually select and promote a player under investigation for sexual offences deeply concerning. This would give the suggestion that success on the pitch far outweighs respect for victims of sexual violence.’

Meanwhile, Dino Nocivelli, a Leigh Day partner who has worked on a number of high-profile abuse cases in sport, told the Daily Telegraph: ‘I think the fact that the defendant in these cases has been able to continue his working life is wrong and clearly sends the wrong message for such serious allegations as rape and sexual assault.

‘The player should have been suspended while his football club and the Football Association investigated the allegations, with no prospect of resuming his work until the investigations were concluded.’

Before joining Arsenal, Partey had a lengthy spell at Atletico while also playing for two other Spanish clubs on loan.

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