Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to two new counts of rape, adding to his existing legal challenges. The 32-year-old footballer appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, where he denied twice raping a woman in London in December 2020.
Partey, who left Arsenal for Villarreal last summer, was already facing five other rape charges and one count of sexual assault dating back to 2021 and 2022. He has pleaded not guilty to all previous charges as well.
Judge Tony Baumgartner, the Recorder of Westminster, agreed for all allegations—now totaling seven counts of rape and one of sexual assault involving four women—to be tried together. This consolidation has resulted in a significant delay to the legal proceedings.
"A trial, originally scheduled for November this year, may now be delayed until January 2027 because of the new allegations," court documents revealed.
During the hearing, Partey wore dark grey trousers, a black jumper over a white shirt, and smart black shoes. He spoke to confirm his name and enter the two not guilty pleas. The footballer did not attend the previous hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court when the charges were first presented, though his lawyer indicated at that time that not guilty pleas would be entered.
Partey remains on bail with the condition that he does not contact the alleged victims. He joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 in a deal worth approximately £45 million and is expected to play for Ghana at the upcoming World Cup this summer.
The footballer is next due in court for a pre-trial hearing on May 14.