Jul 23, 2022; Orlando, FL, USA; Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey (5) runs with the ball against Chelsea midfielder Jorginho (5) during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

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Former Arsenal Midfielder Thomas Partey Joins Villarreal

Ghana international Thomas Partey has signed for La Liga side Villarreal after leaving Arsenal. The 32-year-old midfielder became a free agent this summer when his contract expired at the end of June. A mainstay in Mikel Arteta’s lineup, Partey played 52 matches for Arsenal last season, scoring four goals.

In total, he made 167 appearances for the Gunners in all competitions, finding the net nine times. Notably, he had joined the Gunners from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for £45 million. Partey was recently charged with five counts of rape against two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman.

He has denied all charges and was granted conditional bail on Tuesday. Partey will officially join his new teammates on Friday, just days after Villarreal’s 3-2 friendly win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. However, the signing has sparked controversy among the Villarreal fans, with nearly 1,000 supporters signing a petition. Notably, the petition was launched by the Villarreal Report to protest Partey’s arrival.

Villarreal CF and @ThomasPartey22 have reached an agreement for the Ghanaian footballer to join the Yellows ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The player will join up with his new team tomorrow at the Training Ground. pic.twitter.com/z8J9jJ9wEK
— Villarreal CF English (@VillarrealCFen) August 7, 2025

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Villarreal Respond to Partey’s Legal Situation

Villarreal have issued a public statement after facing backlash for signing Thomas Partey while he awaits his trial. In their statement, Villarreal acknowledged the ongoing legal proceedings but stressed that Partey “firmly maintains his innocence and denies all charges.”

The Spanish side said that they would await the outcome of the judicial process before making any further comment. Due to English law, the club commented that it could not discuss the details of the case.

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Villarreal said in a statement,

“The player firmly maintains his innocence and denies all charges against him. The club respects the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence and will await the outcome of the judicial process. Due to legal restrictions in England, we cannot comment further.”

pic.twitter.com/GxvIxi3hH4
— Villarreal CF English (@VillarrealCFen) August 7, 2025

The charges against Partey stem from an investigation launched by detectives in February 2022. His next court appearance is scheduled for 2 September.

Thomas Partey

Villarreal

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.