1 month ago
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Some news around this pre-season friendly concerns former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey.
Partey left Arsenal when his contract expired at the end of June.
Four days later, the 32-year-old was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
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.
Partey, who denies the charges, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.
He was granted bail and is expected to sign for Villarreal, who are Arsenal's opponents this evening.
Hundreds of Villarreal supporters have voiced their opposition to the imminent signing by signing a petition.
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.
Hundreds of Villarreal supporters have voiced their opposition to the imminent signing of Thomas Partey by signing a petition to stop the transfer.
