While Arsenal should be focusing on pre-season, preparing and brainstorming ways on what they should do differently this coming season to cure the curse of always being second runners-up, the club is facing a lot of backlash over why they did not suspend Thomas Partey the first time he was arrested back in July 2022.
Using Benjamin Mendy as an example, Manchester City suspended him without pay in August 2021 after he was charged with multiple counts of sexual assault. In July 2023, he was found not guilty of all charges.
But maybe the Gunners were protecting themselves legally and financially. What if the charges against Partey were dropped or he was found not guilty?
The 32-year-old would have emptied their pockets by claiming his lost wages, just as Mendy opened a case and took City to the Employment Tribunal. He won the case and received an amount that covered the two years of wages lost, which was £11 million.
According to Sky Sports News, Arsenal did start talks with Partey about his new contract, but the player rejected the offer due to them not meeting his financial demands.
During a press conference, Mikel Arteta was asked if he wanted the Ghanaian star to stay at Emirates for a few more years. The 43-year-old replied, “Yes… he’s a really important player for us.”
Now that Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against three different women, Arsenal released a short statement.
“The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.”
The Premier League also declined to comment on the matter and has distanced itself from the case.
Right now, Partey is free to continue playing as he is in search of a new club after parting ways with the London-based club in June.
He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, and his trial is set to begin in 2026.
