Thomas Partey to join Villarreal on free transfer despite several rape charges following exit from Arsenal

The 32-year-old has been a free agent since the expiration of his Arsenal contract in June, but now The Athletic reports that the midfielder is expected to sign a two-year deal with Villarreal. The ex-Atletico Madrid man, who couldn't come to an accord over a new Gunners deal, is said to have already undergone a medical ahead of the move.

Shortly after Partey's exit from Arsenal, the Ghana international was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The midfielder denies the charges but is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5. Despite that, he is nearing a transfer to Villarreal.

The report adds that Partey has been the subject of an investigation that first started in February 2022. The Ghanaian still went on to feature regularly for Arsenal, chalking up 167 appearances and scoring nine goals in the process.

Partey, who joined Arsenal from Atletico in 2020 for £45.4 million ($58.7m), could be announced as a new Villarreal player just in time for Arsenal's pre-season friendly against the Spanish outfit - who will play Champions League football next term - on Wednesday.