Spanish club Villarreal have reached an agreement to sign Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey as a free agent following his exit from Arsenal. The move comes despite Partey facing serious legal issues in the UK, where he has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

Partey, who has been granted conditional bail, continues to maintain his innocence. His lawyer, Wiltshire, previously stated that the player “denies all the charges against him” and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name.” The case remains ongoing.

Villarreal are yet to make an official statement regarding the legal circumstances surrounding their new signing, and the move is expected to generate considerable scrutiny both within and outside football circles.