Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail following a court appearance related to serious sexual offence allegations. The Ghana international faces five counts of rape involving two women, and one count of sexual assault against a third woman. The incidents are alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022, during his time at Arsenal.
Partey appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court and was released on bail under three specific conditions. Firstly, he is prohibited from contacting any of the three women involved. Secondly, he must inform the police of any permanent change of address or if he resides elsewhere for more than 14 consecutive days. Lastly, he is required to notify authorities in advance of any international travel, as reported by The Guardian.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, La Liga side Villarreal CF has confirmed the signing of the 32-year-old midfielder on a free transfer. The deal was finalised shortly after the court decision, with Partey now set to return to Spain, where he previously spent eight years with Atlético Madrid.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano shared on X (formerly Twitter):
“Official: Thomas Partey has been granted bail, after appearing in court on rape charges. Former Arsenal midfielder will now join Villarreal as expected.”
Partey’s legal representative, Jenny Wiltshire, previously stated that the player “denies all the charges against him” and that he “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.”
Partey, who made 35 appearances and scored four goals in his final season with Arsenal, had joined the Gunners from Atlético Madrid in 2020 for £45 million. During his time in Madrid, he featured in 188 matches, winning the UEFA Super Cup and reaching the Champions League final in 2016.
The midfielder’s move to Villarreal marks a return to La Liga, where he will look to reignite his career amid ongoing legal scrutiny.