Thomas Partey's next court date and bail conditions set as ex-Arsenal man attends first hearing on rape, sexual assault charges

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday following charges of rape and sexual assault.

The 32-year-old was charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault four days after the expiry of his Arsenal contract, allegations he vehemently denies.

Partey has been accused of two counts of rape against one woman, three counts of rape against a second woman, and one count of sexual assault against a third complainant.

The Ghana international was first arrested in 2022 and continued to play for Arsenal while under investigation, and his lawyer has stressed that Partey now "welcomes the chance to clear his name".

Partey sported a black zip-up jumper as he appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5, where he was granted bail under certain conditions at his first hearing.

Partey bail conditions and new court date after magistrates' hearing

Under the conditions of his bail agreement, the midfielder must not directly or indirectly contact any of the three accusers, and he must inform the authorities of any change to his address at least three days in advance.

Partey has also been ordered to inform police of any alternative addresses held for 14 consecutive days or more, and he must notify the force of any international travel 24 hours beforehand.

The Athletic states that Partey was not required to enter a plea on Tuesday, and he will next appear at the Old Bailey - the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales - on September 2.

The Ghanaian joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid for a £42.5m fee in 2020 and became an important player under Mikel Arteta, making 167 appearances for the club and scoring nine goals.

Partey played 52 times for Arsenal in all competitions during the 2024-25 season, and when asked if he was confident the club followed the correct processes while the midfielder was under investigation, Arteta replied "100%".

Partey 'closing in' on next transfer amid rape, sexual assault allegations

While Partey contests the allegations levied against him, the experienced midfielder is understood to be closing in on a free transfer back to La Liga with Villarreal.

The ex-Arsenal man has reportedly passed his medical and agreed to a two-year contract with the Yellow Submarine, who face the Gunners in a friendly at the Emirates on Wednesday.

Partey will almost certainly not be involved in that fixture, but the 32-year-old could face Arsenal in the Champions League, as both the Gunners and Villarreal qualified for the league phase of the 2025-26 tournament.

Arsenal were in talks to extend Partey's contract beyond the end of June, but the midfielder left as a free agent after new terms could not be agreed with his camp.