Partey Set for Villarreal Move Amid Legal Charges

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, 32, is set to sign with Villarreal after leaving Arsenal as a free agent, having reportedly completed a medical and agreed to a one- or two-year contract. The move comes as Partey faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to incidents between 2021 and 2022, which he denies, with the investigation having started in February 2022. He continued playing for Arsenal throughout the investigation, and both the club and manager Mikel Arteta maintain they followed proper procedures. Some Villarreal supporters have voiced opposition to the transfer, resulting in a social media backlash. The finalization of his move is contingent on the outcome of his August 5 court appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Champions League football remains a key incentive for Partey’s potential move.