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Villarreal are closing in on the signing of former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, but the transfer deal is already mired in controversy.
Hundreds of fans have signed a petition demanding the club abandon the move following the Ghanaian’s court appearance on rape and sexual assault charges.
Naija News reports that Partey, 32, was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault just days after his Arsenal contract expired.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and was granted conditional bail ahead of a Crown Court hearing on September 2. Despite the legal cloud, Villarreal seem poised to press on with the transfer deal.
Darwin Nunez Set for Al Hilal Switch
Liverpool have agreed to sell Darwin Nunez to Al Hilal, with the striker now negotiating personal terms.
The Uruguayan joined Liverpool from Benfica for €75 million but failed to consistently impress, netting 40 goals in 143 games.
Al Hilal will reportedly pay €53 million up front. Nunez’s departure could open the door for Liverpool to pursue Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, who was recently banned from group training amid exit speculation.
Lookman Forces Inter Milan Move with Training Boycott
Ademola Lookman has missed training for three consecutive days and has reportedly left Italy in protest after submitting a transfer request to Atalanta.
Lookman has agreed personal terms with Inter Milan, but Atalanta rejected the Nerazzurri’s €45 million bid.
The 28-year-old hopes his self-imposed exile will pressure his club to sanction the move. He was instrumental in Atalanta’s Europa League win last season, scoring a hat-trick in the final.
Chuba Akpom Chooses Ipswich Over Birmingham
Chuba Akpom is heading to Ipswich Town after rejecting a loan move to Birmingham City. The former Ajax striker underwent medicals at Ipswich and is expected to be unveiled shortly. The decision adds intrigue to Friday’s Championship opener, where Ipswich face Birmingham.
Wissa Returns to Brentford Training Amid Newcastle Interest
Yoane Wissa is back in Brentford’s training fold after a tense standoff with the club. The 28-year-old had abruptly left the team’s Portugal camp and threatened to never play for Brentford again, angling for a move to Newcastle.
Talks with head coach Keith Andrews appear to have cooled tensions, but Wissa still wants out. Brentford rejected a £25 million plus £5 million bid from Newcastle and are holding out for more, especially with no replacement yet identified.
Angus Gunn Joins Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Scotland international Angus Gunn on a one-year deal. The 29-year-old shot-stopper joins on a free after leaving Norwich City, where he made 35 appearances last season.
Gunn said: “Forest is a historic club on an exciting journey and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”
He will provide competition for Matz Sels, last season’s joint Golden Glove winner alongside Arsenal’s David Raya.
The post Transfer Updates: Partey Faces Fan Backlash, Nunez Nears Saudi Switch, Lookman’s Protest Continues, Others appeared first on Naija News.
