According to multiple British and Spanish media, 32-year-old former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Paltey is about to join Villarreal. The Ass pointed out that the transfer caused huge controversy due to the rape case of the player in his back.

It is reported that Thomas is expected to join Villarreal as a free agent next week. The transaction is currently being negotiated smoothly in both competitive and financial aspects, and both parties are finalizing the final procedures.

Thomas will sign a one-year contract with Huang Qian, with one-year option renewal terms.

Last month, London police issued an announcement stating that after a two-and-a-half-year investigation, the charges were formally filed against Thomas, who was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault between 2021 and 2022.

Thomas is scheduled to appear in Westminster District Court tomorrow (August 5). As the case charges were pending, many Huang Qian fans opposed his joining. If Thomas finally officially joins Villarreal, he will face strong criticism from his own fans.