FORMER Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to join Villarreal, according to reports.
The Ghana international ended his five-year spell at the Emirates at the end of the 2024-25 season.
Four days after leaving Arsenal, Partey was charged with five counts of rape against two women.
He is also accused of sexually assaulting a third woman.
Partey – who denies all the charges – was first arrested in July 2022 but not named while continuing to play for the club as investigations were ongoing.
The 32-year-old is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 5.
And now the ex-Premier League star is reportedly on the verge of joining Villarreal, according to The Athletic.
He has undergone a medical and is expected to sign a two-year deal with the Spanish club until 2027.
Partey is a free agent after his Arsenal deal ended on June 30 and was not renewed.
The former Atletico Madrid star was in talks over possibly extending his career in North London but an agreement could not be reached.
Boss Mikel Arteta said he was “100 per cent” confident that Arsenal followed the correct processes regarding the club’s handling of Partey.
Defence Lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said: “Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him.
“He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.
“Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further”
A probe into the defensive midfielder was launched in February 2022 after officers first received a report of rape.
The Crown Prosecution Service said the charge came after it “carefully reviewed a comprehensive file of evidence”.
Partey remained an important part of Arteta’s side during 2024-25, accumulating 52 appearances in all competitions.
As well as his usual defensive midfield role, Partey started at right-back during the Gunners’ defensive woes last season.
He scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 167 appearances since joining in 2020.
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