Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to plead not guilty to two new rape charges, a court has heard. The 32-year-old Ghanaian, who now plays for Villarreal, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court where his barrister indicated he would deny the allegations at a crown court hearing on April 10. Partey was excused from attending the preliminary hearing.

These latest charges follow previous allegations from last year, when Partey faced five counts of rape against two women and one count of sexual assault against a third complainant. The Metropolitan Police investigated those earlier claims. Prosecutors revealed the new complainant came forward after news of Partey's other matters were widely publicised.

The footballer, who joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in a transfer worth around £45m before leaving in June 2022, was released on bail with conditions including no contact with the alleged victim. Partey has made over 50 appearances for Ghana's national team, including at the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.