Thomas Partey charged with two additional rape counts ahead trial

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with two additional counts of rape, the Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed.

Partey, 32, has denied raping two women and sexually assaulting a third and is due to stand trial in November.

Prosecutors have now authorised the new allegations, bringing further charges against the Ghanaian international.

He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, March 13, in connection with the latest counts.

Partey previously pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one charge of sexual assault when he appeared at Southwark Crown Court in September last year.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022, during his time as a first-team regular at Arsenal.

He was charged four days after leaving the club when his contract expired at the end of June.

Partey, who is currently on bail, is set to face trial on November 2.

He now plays for Spanish side Villarreal, with bail conditions allowing him to continue his football career, provided he informs police of any international travel at least 24 hours in advance and avoids contact with the complainants.

Despite the ongoing case, Partey remains a key figure in the Ghana national team, who are scheduled to face England in the World Cup group stage in the United States on June 23.