Arsenal have released a statement after Thomas Partey was charged with multiple counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on Friday. The Gunners have distanced themselves from the 32-year-old midfielder, who became a free agent after his contract in North London expired at the end of June.

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by the Metropolitan Police Service.

Arsenal have been told they will regret the loss of Thomas Partey, while Mikel Arteta rejected an alternative to sign Christian Norgaard as his replacement.