This development adds to his existing situation, as the 32-year-old had already pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape connected to two women, along with one count of sexual assault related to a third woman. In total, Partey now faces accusations of sexual offences against four women.

The latest charges pertain to incidents that allegedly took place in 2020, first reported to authorities last August. These allegations stem from a new investigation by the Metropolitan Police. Partey is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on March 13 for an initial hearing regarding these new counts.

After entering his not guilty pleas to the initial five charges, Partey was granted conditional bail by Southwark Crown Court in September. The allegations against him have been linked to events occurring between 2021 and 2022, during his time with Arsenal. Notably, he was charged just four days after his contract with the club expired at the end of June. The investigation that led to these charges began in February 2022, following the first report of rape.

A trial is scheduled to begin under a High Court judge on November 2 of this year. Since leaving the Premier League, Partey has signed with Spanish football club Villarreal on a one-year deal, with the announcement coming after he had been charged with rape.

Partey, who joined Arsenal for £45.3 million from Atletico Madrid in October 2020, made 130 Premier League appearances for the team under manager Mikel Arteta. His lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, has consistently maintained that he “denies all the charges against him” and looks forward to “the chance to finally clear his name.”