Villarreal have completed the signing of former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey.
Partey, 32, has signed a two year deal at the La Liga club, comprising of an initial one-year contract with the option of a further 12 months, with Villarreal confirming the transfer on Thursday.
He arrives at Villarreal on a free transfer after departing Arsenal following the end of his contract in June. The Athletic reported on August 3 the transfer was set to take place after the midfielder completed his medical, with the club’s Champions League qualification deemed an important factor in the midfielder joining the club.
Villarreal CF and @ThomasPartey22 have reached an agreement for the Ghanaian footballer to join the Yellows ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The player will join up with his new team tomorrow at the Training Ground. pic.twitter.com/z8J9jJ9wEK
— Villarreal CF English (@VillarrealCFen) August 7, 2025
Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault on July 4. He denies the charges. He had been the subject of an investigation that first started in February 2022 and had continued playing for Arsenal prior to the expiration of his contract.
Partey appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and was granted conditional bail. As per the conditions of his bail, he must inform police of any international travel 24 hours in advance
In an official statement after announcing Partey’s arrival, Villarreal said: “The club is aware that the player is currently involved in legal proceedings in England. The player vehemently defends his innocence and denies all charges against him. The club respects the fundamental principle of presumption of innocence and is awaiting the verdict of the courts, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts of the case. In accordance with British law regarding ongoing proceedings, the club will not make any further comments on this matter.
“Villarreal CF wishes to reiterate its firm commitment to respect and diversity and condemns any act of violence in all its forms, whether gender-based, discriminatory, racist, xenophobic or any other behaviour that undermines human dignity.”
The Athletic reported in April that the Ghana international was in talks with Arsenal to extend his contract but an agreement could not be reached on the terms of the deal.
Partey joined the club in a €50million (now £45.4m, $58.7m) deal from Atletico Madrid in 2020. He made 167 appearances during his five-year stay at Arsenal and played 52 times for Mikel Arteta’s side last season.
He most frequently appeared in central midfield for Arsenal, but also filled in at right-back. Prior to his north London move, Partey made 188 appearances for Atletico.
(Photo: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)