Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has been charged with raping two women.

The Metropolitan Police said the midfielder faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault following alleged offences between 2021 and 2022.

The Ghanaian international was charged four days after leaving the North London club.

The sexual assault allegation relates to a third woman, police added.

Partey is accused of two counts of rape against one woman and three counts of rape against another.

The force said it first received reports of an allegation of rape in February 2022.

Partey, 32, of Hertfordshire, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5.

Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation, said: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.

“We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team.

“You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing CIT@met.police.uk.”

Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 in a transfer worth around £45 million.

He played 35 games for the north London club in the Premier League last season, scoring four goals.