He played 75 La Liga matches over four seasons, totalling seven goals for Racing de Santander and Rayo Vallecano.
After not being able to reach the first team at Real Betis in his hometown he signed with CD Castellón, where he would first appear professionally in 2006–07's Segunda División, playing one game; in the following two seasons, also at that level, he proceeded to be used regularly.
[6][7] On 7 July 2014, Arana left Recreativo de Huelva and joined RCD Mallorca also in division two, for two years.
[8] On 30 September 2016 the 31-year-old moved abroad for the first time in his career, after being confirmed as the third visa player signing by Brisbane Roar FC for the 2016–17 season.
[12] On 31 January 2018, he was loaned to fellow Indian Super League team Delhi Dynamos FC until March.