Thomas Partey Set to Join Villarreal Following Arsenal Departure as Court Date Approaches

Free agent Thomas Partey is reportedly set to join Spanish side Villarreal after parting ways with Arsenal, with journalist David Ornstein revealing details of the midfielder’s proposed contract.

Despite playing a significant role under Mikel Arteta last season—making 35 Premier League appearances and scoring four goals—Arsenal were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension with the 32-year-old.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Partey has already undergone a medical and agreed personal terms with Villarreal. The prospect of playing UEFA Champions League football is said to have been a key factor in his decision. He is expected to sign a two-year deal with the La Liga outfit.

Partey is currently facing serious legal issues, having been charged on 4 July with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He denies all charges.

As highlighted in Ornstein’s report, the Ghana international had been under investigation since February 2022 but continued playing for Arsenal throughout, up until the expiration of his contract earlier this summer.

He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 5 August.

In a statement released last month, Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, said:

“Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him.
He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS [Crown Prosecution Service] 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.”

Partey joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in 2020 in a deal worth €50 million (approximately £45.4 million or $58.7 million). He made 188 appearances for the North London club, scoring 16 goals.

If the move goes ahead as expected, Partey will offer Villarreal valuable experience in midfield as they return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2021/22 season.