FORMER Arsenal star Thomas Partey has completed a move to Villarreal.
The midfielder was a free agent after seeing his contract at the Gunners expire earlier this summer.
GettyThomas Partey has joined Villarreal[/caption]
Partey, 32, has put pen to paper on an initial one-year deal with the option of a 12-month extension at the Spanish club.
Villarreal are set to officially announce the signing imminently and it means the Ghanaian will feature in the Champions League this season.
His transfer comes just a matter of days after he was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
Partey was seen at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and was granted conditional bail.
He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
Partey’s bail conditions include not contacting the three complainants and he must notify police of any change in address three days in advance.
The star, who made 167 appearances for Arsenal, must also tell cops where he is staying if it is longer than 14 days and they must be aware of any international travel.
His next appearance at the Old Bailey is set for September 2.
The alleged offences against three women took place between 2021 and 2022.
Partey is accused of raping one female three times at his £6million Hertfordshire home and of attacking another at a five-star hotel in Spain.
The court was told Partey sexually assaulted a third woman by lying on top of her, trying to kiss and grope her without consent.
An investigation into the claims began in February 2022 and he continued to play for Arsenal.
Manager Mikel Arteta says he is “100 per cent” sure the Gunners followed the right processes with the player.
Partey denies the charges.
He was signed by Arsenal from Atletico Madrid for £45million in 2020.
Villarreal finished fifth in LaLiga last season.
ReutersThomas Partey appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
