Ghanaian footballer and ex-Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has denied raping two women and sexually assaulting a third woman.

The Ghanaian midfielder pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one charge of sexual assault when he appeared at Southwark Crown Court.

The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022, when the 32-year-old regularly played in the Premier League. He was charged four days after leaving the north London club, following the expiration of his contract at the end of June.

Mr Partey was granted bail until his trial, which is due to start at the same court on 2 November next year.