Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail, paving the way for his move to Spanish La Liga side Villarreal. The 32-year-old Ghanaian international is facing serious legal issues, with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault linked to three separate women. The alleged incidents are said to have occurred between 2021 and 2022, a period during which Partey was actively playing for Arsenal. He has denied all charges against him.
During a brief court session at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Partey acknowledged the charges and the terms of his bail, although he was not required to enter a plea. The case has now been escalated to the Old Bailey, with a trial date set for September 2. His legal team maintains that he has fully cooperated with law enforcement authorities and is determined to clear his name after what has been described as a three-year-long investigation.
Despite the gravity of the accusations, Villarreal has moved ahead with plans to sign the midfielder following the expiration of his Arsenal contract on June 30. The Spanish club is offering him a new chapter, even as the legal process continues. Partey, who joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atletico Madrid for a £45 million fee, featured in 52 matches last season, demonstrating his consistent value on the pitch.
The decision to grant bail and allow the player to continue his professional career has sparked mixed reactions. Some argue that all individuals are innocent until proven guilty, while others express concern about a top-tier footballer continuing to play under such serious allegations. Arsenal, whose association with Partey ended in June, has refrained from commenting due to the ongoing legal case.
The charges are severe and detailed. Two of the rape charges involve one complainant, three others relate to a second woman, and the sexual assault charge is connected to a third individual. As legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on how the situation develops and what impact it could have on both Partey’s future in football and the broader conversation around athletes facing serious criminal allegations.
