Partey Joins Villarreal on Free Transfer After Arsenal Exit

Thomas Partey left Arsenal as a free agent (Picture: Getty)

Thomas Partey has reached an agreement with his next club after leaving Arsenal as a free agent.

The Ghana midfielder ended his five-year spell at the Emirates Stadium at the end of the 2024-25 season.

Partey made 167 appearances for the Gunners and almost helped them win the Premier League twice.

Mikel Arteta was reportedly keen for Partey to sign a contract extension but a deal could not be reached.

The 32-year-old was linked with several European clubs as he contract with Arsenal ran down and Villarreal have won the race to secure his signature.

Spanish outlet AS say Villarreal, who finished fifth in La Liga last season, have agreed a one-year deal with Partey.

It is claimed Partey is expected to become a Villarreal player next week after he gave the move the green light.

Partey in action for Arsenal last season (Picture: Getty)

If Partey’s move to Villarreal goes through, he will join his former Arsenal teammate Nicolas Pepe at the Spanish club.

Shortly after he left Arsenal, Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault .

The offences are reported to have taken place in 2021 and 2022, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

Partey denies the charges and ‘welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name’, his lawyer said.

Following the charges, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he was ‘100%’ sure the club following the right processes while dealing with the matter .

‘The club was very clear in its statement,’ Arteta added. ‘There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated so I cannot comment on any of that.’

Partey, who joined Arsenal in a £45m move from Atletico Madrid in 2020, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5.