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Thomas Partey has reportedly found a new club following the expiration of his Arsenal contract ahead of his court date on Tuesday.
Partey, 32, is facing criminal charges in the United Kingdom, being charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by the Metropolitan Police Service on July 4.
"The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge a man after a file of evidence was submitted by detectives," read a statement released by the Metropolitan Police.
The offences are reported to have taken place between 2021-2022.
The charges involve three women, with two counts of rape relating to one woman, three counts of rape in connection to a second woman and one count of sexual assault linked to a third woman.
Partey is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 5 August.
Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy, whose team is leading the investigation into Partey, said: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward.
“We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing [email protected]”
According to Spanish publication Diario AS, Partey is set to join a new club following the end of his Arsenal contract on June 30.
La Liga side Villarreal have reportedly reached an agreement to sign the 32-year-old on a one-year deal with the Ghana international keen on a return to Spain.
The report adds the signing is dependent on the result of his upcoming court appearance.
Villarreal would assess whether to extend Partey’s deal further after one season. The Spanish side qualified for the Champions League last season following a fifth-placed finish in La Liga. Villarreal qualify via the European Performance spots which are handed to the two associations with the best collective performances by their clubs in UEFA's men club competitions meaning Newcastle also qualified for UEFA's elite club competition.
Partey joined Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in 2020 for a reported £43m fee.
He made 167 appearances for the Gunners, featuring in 35 Premier League games last season as Mikel Arteta’s side finished second behind Liverpool.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Thomas Partey, Arsenal, Villarreal, Football, Premier League
Marcus Banks