Partey set to join new club two days before appearing in court over rape charges

Thomas Partey is due to pen a two-year deal with Villarreal after seeing his Arsenal contract expire as the Ghanaian also prepares to appear in court after being hit with several charges

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is due to join Villarreal this summer after his contract at the Emirates expired, leaving him free to seek pastures new.

The 32-year-old Ghanaian has undergone a medical and is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Spanish club, which will see him play with the Yellow Submarine until 2027. It will mark his return to La Liga having played there during his Atletico Madrid days.

Partey was keen to remain in the Champions League and that was a major factor in him choosing Villarreal, who finished fifth in Spain last term. The midfielder had been linked with moves to clubs in Europe and the Middle East throughout the season.

The Athletic reported that the ex-Atletico man was in talks over staying at the Emirates but an agreement could not be reached on the terms of a deal despite the two parties trying until late in the day.

Partey joined the club from Atletico for £45million back in 2020 and has been part of their rise to title challengers under Mikel Arteta. All in all he made 167 appearances for Arsenal, scoring nine goals, including one in a north London derby win.

Shortly after the Ghanaian's Arsenal exit was confirmed he was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He denies all charges. He had been the subject of an investigation that began in February 2022. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday August 5.

Arteta was asked for his reaction to the news of Partey's charges and said: "The club was very clear in its statement. There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated so I cannot comment on any of that. Quizzed further on whether he was confident the club has followed the right process he replied: "100%."

Arsenal have made several additions in the middle of the pitch with Martin Zubimendi among their key signings. The Spanish midfielder joins from Real Sociedad after being on the club's radar 12 months ago and will assist the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

Christian Norgaard has also joined from Brentford with the Dane adding more depth to the team's midfield options. Arteta has also captured more firepower in Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon and Noni Madueke from Chelsea.