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FORMER Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to join Villarreal this week, according to reports – despite an upcoming appearance at a UK court after being charged with rape.
The Ghanaian is expected to appear before Westminster magistrates in London on February 2nd after being accused of five counts rapes and one sexual assault.
After leaving Arsenal in the summer, the footballer reportedly signed a deal for two years with the La Liga team.
Partey was the subject of a February 2022 investigation and accused of assaulting three women between 2021-2022.
Despite being arrested on suspicion of rape in 2022, Partey continued to play for Arsenal, with his former manager Mikel Arteta saying he was ‘100%’ sure that Arsenal had followed correct protocols over the investigation.
Partey has played more than 50 matches for Arsenal even though he was on bail.
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The Crown Prosecution Service has said the charges came after it ‘carefully reviewed a comprehensive file of evidence’.
In a written statement, Jenny Wiltshire, his attorney said: “Thomas Partey denials all the charges that are against him.”
“He has cooperated fully with the CPS and police throughout their three-year investigations. He welcomes this opportunity to finally clear up his name.
“My client is not able to make any further comments, as there are currently ongoing legal proceedings.”
Partey, who has previously played for Atletico Madrid Mallorca and Almeria, is not a stranger to Spain.
He also married his longtime partner Janine MacKson in the country this summer, according to reports.
Partey was not the only prominent footballer who moved to Spain following legal proceedings in Britain in recent years.
Manchester United suspended English footballer Mason Greenwood after accusing him of rape attempt, coercion or assault.
In October, the Crown Prosecution Service filed charges against him. However, the case was later dropped when key witnesses resigned.
Greenwood was 22 when he signed a controversial loan agreement with Getafe, a Madrid-based club.
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