Thomas Partey 'undergoes medical' with Arsenal friendly opponents ahead of court hearing for rape, sexual assault charges

Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is reportedly close to joining Villarreal as a free agent amid charges of alleged rape and sexual assault.

The 32-year-old left the Gunners at the end of last season upon the expiry of his contract, shortly before being charged with five counts of rape and one of sexual assault.

Partey vehemently denies the alleged offences, which relate to three women, and his lawyer has stressed that the Ghana international welcomes the opportunity to clear his name three years on from his initial arrest in 2022.

The former Atletico Madrid man is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, by which point his transfer to Villarreal could have gone through.

According to The Athletic, Partey has now completed a medical with the Yellow Submarine, whom he is set to sign a two-year contract with until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

Partey 'to sign two-year Villarreal contract' amid criminal charges

Marcelino's men will be playing in the Champions League next season courtesy of their fifth-placed finish in the 2024-25 La Liga campaign, and their presence at Europe's top table was apparently a key factor in Partey's decision.

The 32-year-old will return to La Liga five years after leaving Atletico for Arsenal in 2020, ultimately scoring nine goals and providing seven assists in 167 appearances for the North London club.

Partey continued to represent Arsenal while under investigation, playing a crucial role in their rise to Premier League title challengers and making 52 appearances in all competitions last season.

Arsenal confirmed that they were in talks to extend Partey's contract when they announced their released and retained list earlier this summer, but an agreement could not be reached between the two parties.

Mikel Arteta refused to comment on the midfielder's criminal case when asked by the media, although he affirmed that the club followed the correct processes while Partey was under investigation.

Could Partey play against Arsenal for Villarreal?

Partey's imminent move to Villarreal comes a few days before the Yellow Submarine face Arsenal in a friendly at the Emirates Stadium on August 6, and his transfer could very well have been completed by then.

However, it would be a shock to see the 32-year-old reunite with his former employers in North London amid the charges against him, although he could face the Gunners in the Champions League later this year.

Arsenal and Villarreal qualified directly for the league phase of the 2025-26 competition, the draw for which will be held on August 28, and the two clubs will both be in Pot 2 for the unveiling.