Thomas Partey close to joining Villarreal in week of court appearance | Villarreal

The previous Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is poised to hitch Villarreal on a free switch this week.

Partey is because of seem at Westminster magistrates court docket on Tuesday after being charged with 5 counts of rape and one rely of sexual assault final month, a number of days after he left Arsenal having didn’t agree a brand new deal. He has denied all the costs.

Partey is known to have accomplished his medical at Villarreal having settled on private phrases for a transfer again to Spain, the place he has performed for Atlético Madrid, Mallorca and Almería. He’s believed to have agreed a one-year contract with an possibility to increase by 12 months, and the chance to play within the Champions League subsequent season is assumed to have been a motivating issue within the 32-year-old’s resolution. Partey additionally had gives from Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Arsenal are on account of host Villarreal in a pleasant on Wednesday. Some supporters of the Spanish membership have voiced opposition to his anticipated transfer, with a hashtag #NoAThomasPartey (No to Thomas Partey) trending on X and others being inspired to jot down to Villarreal to specific disappointment.

Partey had been the topic of an investigation that started in February 2022, with the allegations relating to 3 ladies who reported incidents between 2021 and 2022. Partey’s lawyer has mentioned her shopper “welcomes the chance to lastly clear his title”.

Partey continued to play for Arsenal after first being arrested on suspicion of rape in July 2022 and held talks about extending his contract after Mikel Arteta mentioned he was eager for him to remain. Arsenal’s supervisor mentioned final month he was “100%” certain Arsenal adopted the right protocols over Partey.