Thomas Partey free to complete Villarreal move after former Arsenal midfielder is granted conditional bail | OneFootball

Midfielder set to seal La Liga switch after appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court

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Thomas Partey is free to complete his move to Villarreal after being granted conditional bail.

The former Arsenal midfielder appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

The 32-year-old is in advanced talks to sign for Villarreal after leaving Arsenal at the end of his contract this summer.

Partey left Arsenal at the end of his contract this summer

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

He has undergone a medical and is now expected to sign a one-year contract with the option of a further year.

Villarreal face Arsenal in a pre-season friendly at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

Partey denies the charges against him and his lawyer has said the Ghanaian “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name”.

Partey was first arrested on suspicion of rape in July 2022, which sparked an investigation by the Metropolitan Police and then the Crown Prosecution Service.

He continued to play for Arsenal during that time and the club were in talks to give him a new contract.

After Partey was charged, Arsenal said in a statement: “The player's contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.”

Mikel Arteta has said he is “100 per cent” sure Arsenal followed the correct protocols regarding Partey.