Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is closing in on a move to Villarreal after being granted bail while facing charges of raping two women, with the LaLiga side set to face off against his former club on Wednesday night.

The 32-year-old, who was charged four days after the expiration of his contract at the north London club in June, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday to face five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

He is accused of two counts of rape against one woman and three counts against another. The sexual assault allegation relates to a third woman, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has said. 

Partey’s first appearance in court came as he finalises a move to Villarreal, with his conditional bail now paving the path for the midfielder to complete his move to the Spanish team.

The Yellow Submarine are set to take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium this evening in the Gunners’ penultimate pre-season fixture ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Thomas Partey has been granted conditional bail after arriving at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with five counts of rape against two women and one count of sexual assault

Bail means that Partey is closing in on a move to Villarreal, who face his former club Arsenal on Wednesday night 

Partey, 32, was charged four days after his contract with Arsenal expired back in June 

Partey’s bail conditions state he cannot contact any of the three women and must notify police of any permanent changes of address or international travel. 

Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward, KC, said: ‘He’s charged with six sexual offences, five of rape, one of sexual assault. He was first arrested in relation to two of the charges on 4 July 2022 and released under investigation on 2 August 2023. 

‘He has attended, during the course of the past three years, three voluntary interviews. A postal requisition was sent on 4 July 2025 requiring his attendance today for a first appearance.

‘Five of the offences, the charges of rape, are indictable only offences and the only possibility for this court is to send them to the crown court.’

On the sexual assault allegation, she said: ‘The complainant attended Mr Partey’s address and he sexually assaulted her by lying on top of her, trying to kiss her and touching her all over her body over clothing without consent.

‘She tried to push him off and after a couple of minutes he stopped.’

Protesters held up a sign criticising Arsenal’s alleged handling of the case when he arrived at court. It read: ‘Arsenal said: ‘We do the right thing’. Then did nothing.’ 

The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022. The Metropolitan Police said it first received reports of an allegation of rape in February 2022. 

A court drawing of Partey – who spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and give his address

People from the Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence Group gathered with this banner

Partey joined Arsenal in 2020 and made 35 appearances in the Premier League last season

The CPS said the charges came after it ‘carefully reviewed a comprehensive file of evidence’ during an extensive three-year probe.  

‘Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him,’ his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said. 

‘He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.’

Partey joined Arsenal in 2020 from Atletico Madrid in a deal worth around £45million. He made 35 appearances in the Premier League last season, scoring four goals. 

Arsenal were previously in talks over extending Partey’s contract, but an agreement could not be reached, resulting in him leaving as a free agent. Head coach Mikel Arteta had described him as a ‘really important player for us’.

During Arsenal’s pre-season tour in the Far East, following Partey being charged, Arteta said he was ‘100 per cent’ comfortable with how the club handled the case.

However, the Arsenal Supporters Against Sexual Violence Group gathered outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court to protest the club’s alleged actions.  

‘While we recognise that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty, we would find any scenario in which a club was to continually select and promote a player under investigation for sexual offences deeply concerning,’ the group previously said.

‘This would give the suggestion that success on the pitch far outweighs respect for victims of sexual violence.’

An Arsenal spokesperson previously said: ‘The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case.’