THOMAS Partey is set to complete his controversial move to Villarreal just days before he is due to appear in court on multiple rape charges, sources have confirmed.
The 32-year-old Ghana international has undergone a medical with the Spanish club over the weekend and is poised to sign a two-year deal that will see him return to LaLiga after four seasons with Arsenal. The move comes as Partey prepares to face five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Villarreal, who secured Champions League qualification by finishing fifth last season, are poised to snap up Partey on a free transfer after his Arsenal contract expired on June 30. The impending deal represents a major coup for the Yellow Submarine, landing a player who made 167 appearances for the Gunners and was a key figure in their recent title challenges.
However, the potential signing has sparked immediate controversy given the serious criminal charges hanging over the midfielder. The Metropolitan Police brought the charges last month following a three-year investigation into alleged incidents involving three women between 2021 and 2022.
Partey was first arrested in July 2022 but continued playing for Arsenal while on bail, making over 50 appearances during that period. The charges were formally brought just five days after his north London departure.
His legal team, led by Jenny Wiltshire, issued a defiant statement: “Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him and welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
The midfielder’s return to Spain marks a homecoming of sorts after his successful stint with Atlético Madrid before his £45 million move to Arsenal in 2020. Villarreal’s Champions League status reportedly proved decisive in securing his signature over other interested clubs.
While Partey is free to continue his playing career pending the outcome of legal proceedings, his court appearance on Tuesday will thrust the case back into the spotlight just as he begins pre-season preparations with his new club.
The timing of the prospective move has raised questions about due diligence in football transfers, with Villarreal facing potential scrutiny over their decision to pursue a player facing such serious allegations.
Partey is expected to join up with Villarreal’s squad immediately following his court appearance, as manager Marcelino García Toral looks to bolster his midfield options ahead of their Champions League campaign.
