Villarreal sign former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey

Villarreal have finalised the signing of former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, according to The Athletic.

The online news portal claims that “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.”

Partey was linked with a move to several clubs, including Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus. Saudi Pro League clubs were also interested in acquiring the services of Partey.

He had his best season since joining the Gunners from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for over £40million last term, making 52 appearances, scoring four goals and providing three assists across all competitions.

The Ghanaian played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s successful Champions League quarter-final victories over Real Madrid.

Thomas Partey was granted conditional bail after being charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

The midfielder appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, charged with five counts of rape against two women, and a charge of sexual assault against a third woman.

The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022 when he was playing for the Gunners.

He was charged four days after leaving Arsenal when his contract expired at the end of June. His next appearance is at the Old Bailey on September 2.