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Thomas Partey is set to join Villarreal on a two-year deal. The Ghanaian international is a free agent after leaving Arsenal earlier this summer. Partey's five-year spell with the Gunners concluded upon the expiry of his contract at the end of June. He had been in talks over a new deal at the Emirates Stadium but a contract extension never materialised. Instead, the 32-year-old is now set to return to Spain with Villarreal. A deal through to the summer of 2027 has been agreed. Partey has also already undergone his medical ahead of being officially unveiled. Days after his release from Arsenal, he was charged with five counts of rape and one sexual assault in July. Partey denies the charges, which stem from an investigation which started in 2022. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday. The midfielder began his career in Spain prior to joining Arsenal in 2020. During his time in England, Partey made 167 appearances and scored nine goals for Mikel Arteta's side. Following his exit, Arsenal have bolstered their midfield with two new signings. Experienced Danish international Christian Norgaard has joined from Brentford. Meanwhile, long-time target Martin Zubimendi completed a £50million switch from Real Sociedad. Those arrivals have contributed to a £195million summer spending spree from Arteta. Partey could make his debut against his former club this week with the two sides meeting in a friendly on Wednesday evening. Arsenal welcome Villarreal to the Emirates Stadium as part of their pre-season preparations. Both clubs will also compete in the league phase of this season's Champions League. Fixtures for the league phase will be announced at the draw on August 28. Arsenal and Villarreal last faced each other in the Europa League semi-finals in 2021, with the Spanish side progressing to the final. © 2025 talk SPORT Limited
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