Club career
Aranda was born in Málaga, Andalusia. A product of Real Madrid's youth system, he never appeared, however, in any La Liga matches with the first team. He played, however, a small part in two UEFA Champions League-winning squads, appearing against Molde FK (1999–2000)[1] and FC Lokomotiv Moscow (2001–02).[2]
In January 2002, Aranda moved to CD Numancia, being instrumental in helping the Soria club to barely retain its Segunda División status. This prompted a move at the end of the season to Villarreal CF on a five-year contract[3] but, as opportunities were scarce with the Valencian Community side, he returned to Numancia in January 2003.[4]
Aranda joined Sevilla FC in 2004–05, scoring in his UEFA Cup debut, a 2–0 home win over Alemannia Aachen on 4 November 2004.[5] He was relatively used during the campaign, but was deemed surplus to requirements after the arrivals of Luís Fabiano, Frédéric Kanouté and Javier Saviola, and left for Albacete Balompié on loan – he had already represented the Castile-La Mancha team the previous season.[6]
Aranda's second spell with Albacete finished on a sour note, as he was accused of unprofessional behaviour by the club. He responded claiming he had been forced to appear at a press conference to show repentance for his actions.[7]
After being instrumental in Real Murcia CF's return to the top flight in 2007 by netting 11 goals, squad second-best behind Iván Alonso,[8] Aranda had an unassuming spell with Granada 74 CF.[9][10] After spending the first months of 2008–09 training with lowly CF Gavà,[11] in December 2008 he signed with Numancia for a third stint,[12] appearing and scoring regularly but suffering top-division relegation.
On 16 July 2009, Aranda moved to CA Osasuna as part of a deal that saw Kike Sola move in the opposite direction, on loan for a season. In his second year with the Navarrese, he scored four times but also struggled with injuries and loss of form,[13][14] and Sola also returned to the starting XI, eventually finishing as top scorer.[15]
In July 2011, aged 31, Aranda signed for Levante UD. In January of the following year, after having received very little playing time, he joined fellow top-tier side Real Zaragoza.[16] On 25 February 2012, he put the visitors ahead at hometown's Málaga CF, who eventually won 5–1.[17]
Aranda switched clubs again in the winter transfer window of 2013, signing for his eighth in the Spanish main division, Granada CF, the most for any player.[18]