Thomas Partey joined Villarreal in a two -year deal, the Spanish club confirmed on Thursday.
The Ghanaian international was a free agent after leaving Arsenal in the early summer.
3
Parties five -year magic with the Gunners concluded at the end of his contract at the end of June.
He had held a new deal in discussions at the Emirates stage, but a contract extension never came about.
Instead, the 32-year-old will now return to Spain with Villarreal.
A deal was agreed by the summer of 2027.
Days after his release from Arsenal, he was charged with five rape cases and a sexual assault in July.
Party denies the charges that come from an investigation from 2022.
He appeared on Tuesday in front of the Westminster Magistrate Court, where a conditional deposit was granted.
His deposit conditions include that he cannot contact any of the three women and that the police have to inform about permanent address changes or international trips.
When the conditions of the deposit were discussed in court, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring: “I understand that he is no longer busy in this country and is now playing in Spain.”
Party will be released in the old Bailey on September 2.
3
After his arrival, Villarreal spoke on the ongoing legal proceedings.
In an explanation it says: “Villarreal CF and Thomas Partey have made an agreement to the Ghanaian footballer before the 2025/26 season. The player will join his new team on the training area tomorrow.
“Thomas Teye Party is a complete midfielder with great perseverance and extraordinary physical properties. He is an excellent ball winner and has the opportunity to start with deep movements. The African footballer also offers a good shot from the middle reach and has the opportunity to drive lines when driving.
“The experienced Ghanaian midfielder has earned more than 50 caps for his national team. He also represented Arsenal FC, Atlético de Madrid, Ud Almería and RCD Mallorca. (2020/21) increased (20./21. (2018/19) and the UEFA Europa League (17/18).
“On the other hand, the association is also aware that the player is currently involved in legal proceedings in England. The player keeps his innocence and denies all charges against him.
“Villarreal CF wants to clearly repeat its strong commitment to respect and diversity and firmly condemns every act of violence in all its forms, including gender -specific violence, discrimination, racism, xenophobia or behaviors that undermine the dignity of the individual.”
The midfielder started his career in Spain before he came to Arsenal in 2020.
During his time in England, Party appeared 167 and scored nine goals for Mikel Areta’s team.
3
After leaving, Arsenal strengthened her midfield with two new obligations.
The experienced Danish international Christian Norgaard joined Brentford.
In the meantime, Martin Zubimendi’s long-term destination completed a 50 million pound switch from Real Sociedad.
These arrivals contributed to a summer figure of 195 million pounds from Areteta.