Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after being charged with five counts of rape, as the former Arsenal midfielder closes in on a move to Villarreal.
The 32-year-old was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault just four days after his contract with the Gunners expired. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning and stood with his arms behind his back in the dock as details of the charges were read out in court.
The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022. He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during the 15-minute hearing and was told he was free to leave after being granted conditional bail.
Partey’s bail conditions include that he cannot contact any of the three women he allegedly attacked and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel. He will next appear at the Old Bailey at 10am on Tuesday, September 2. Partey’s lawyer Jenny Wiltshire previously said he “denies all the charges against him”.
It emerged over the weekend that Partey has agreed a deal to sign for La Liga side Villarreal. The Ghana international is said to have already completed a medical and is expected to sign a two-year contract.
As bail conditions were discussed in court, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said: “I understand he’s no longer employed in this country and playing in Spain now.” After explaining his bail conditions, Judge Goldspring told Partey he was free to go, to which the footballer responded: “Thank you.”
The Athletic reported on Sunday that the chance to continue playing Champions League football was deemed an important factor in the proposed move to Villarreal. Partey was an important member of Mikel Arteta’s squad during the 2024/25 season and made 52 appearances in all competitions.
Arsenal welcome Villarreal to Emirates Stadium on Wednesday in a pre-season friendly. Partey has experience of playing in Spain having already played for Atlético Madrid, Mallorca and Almería. It’s been reported the midfielder also had offers from Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
