Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to join Villarreal CF on a two-year deal, extending through 2027, following the expiration of his contract with the Premier League club.

The 32-year-old Ghanaian international has undergone a medical with the Spanish side and is expected to complete the free transfer in the coming days.

A key factor in Partey's decision was the opportunity to continue playing Champions League football with Villarreal.

Partey became a free agent in June 2025, after Arsenal opted not to renew his contract. According to reports from The Athletic, both parties were in talks over an extension, but no agreement was reached.

Since joining Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for €50 million (£45.4m / $58.7m), Partey made 167 appearances across all competitions, scoring nine goals.

During the 2024–25 season alone, he featured in 52 matches, operating primarily in midfield and occasionally at right-back.

On July 4, Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He denies all charges and is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 5.

The charges stem from an investigation that began in February 2022, which continued during his tenure at Arsenal.

Villarreal has yet to comment publicly on the legal situation surrounding Partey. His transfer to the Spanish club is likely to attract scrutiny given the nature of the pending legal case.