Former Arsenal star Thomas Partey arrives at court for rape hearing after being charged with five counts against two women

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been pictured arriving at court this morning charged with five counts of rape against two women.

Partey, 32, faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault after alleged offences between 2021 and 2022, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

His lawyer Jenny Wiltshire previously said he 'denies all the charges against him', adding that he welcomed 'the opportunity to finally clear his name'. 

Partey, a Ghanaian international, was charged four days after leaving Arsenal when his contract ran down at the end of June.

He has been accused of two counts of rape against one woman and three counts of rape against another. The sexual assault allegation relates to a third woman.

An investigation began in February 2022 after officers first received a report of rape. 

The CPS said the charge came after it 'carefully reviewed a comprehensive file of evidence' during an extensive three-year probe.

'Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him,' his lawyer said. 

'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 joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth around £45million.

He made 35 appearances in the Premier League last season, scoring four goals. 

An Arsenal spokesperson previously said: 'The player's contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.' 

More to follow.