Villarreal have completed the signing of former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey.
Partey, 32, has signed a two year deal at the La Liga club, comprising of an initial one-year contract with the option of a further 12 months. Official confirmation of the move is expected imminently.
He will arrive at Villarreal on a free transfer after departing Arsenal following the end of his contract in June. The Athletic reported on August 3 the transfer was set to take place after the midfielder completed his medical, with the club’s Champions League qualification deemed an important factor in the midfielder joining the club.
Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on July 4. He denies the charges. He had been the subject of an investigation that first started in February 2022 and had continued playing for Arsenal prior to the expiration of his contract.
Partey appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and was granted conditional bail. As per the conditions of his bail, he must inform police of any international travel 24 hours in advance
The Athletic reported in April that the Ghana international was in talks with Arsenal to extend his contract but an agreement could not be reached on the terms of the deal.
Partey joined the club in a €50million (now £45.4m, $58.7m) deal from Atletico Madrid in 2020. He made 167 appearances during his five-year stay at Arsenal and played 52 times for Mikel Arteta’s side last season.
He most frequently appeared in central midfield for Arsenal, but also filled in at right-back. Prior to his north London move, Partey made 188 appearances for Atletico.
