Former Arsenal and Ghanaian international midfielder Thomas Partey has been formally charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, according to official legal filings.

The 32-year-old, who recently became a free agent after his contract with Arsenal expired this week, is facing serious allegations involving three different women.

Two counts of rape relate to one alleged victim, three counts of rape relate to a second alleged victim, while one count of sexual assault involves a third woman.

The alleged incidents reportedly occurred between 2021 and 2022.

Partey is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5 to answer the charges.

The legal proceedings could have wide-ranging implications on his football future, pending the outcome of the case.