Villarreal have signed Ghana international Thomas Partey on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with Arsenal, the LaLiga club said on Thursday.

The 32-year-old defensive midfielder has agreed a season-long deal and will join the Villarreal squad in training on Friday.

Partey was charged last month with raping two women while he was a player for the Premier League club. He is accused of five counts of rape relating to two women, plus a charge of sexual assault against a third woman, between April 2021 and June 2022.

"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," Villarreal said in a statement.

Subscribe to CNA's Recommended Read A single handpick

See Full Page