2010 when he made his return to the first team from injury, coming on as a second–half substitute, in a 2–0 loss against Blackpool. After missing one match, Arca made a return to the first team against Watford, where he set up an equalising goal for Lita, in a 1–1 draw. At the end of the 2009–10 season, which saw Arca make thirty–six appearances in all competitions, the club failed to gain promotion from the Championship. Ahead of the 2010–11 season, it was announced that Arca would stay at the club, having joined the club's pre–season tour. Arca started the season well when he set up the opening goal for Scott McDonald, in a 3–1 loss against Ipswich Town in the opening game of the season. Arca then scored in Middlesbrough's 2–1 win over Chesterfield in the League Cup and scoring his first league goal for over three years from a penalty kick, to give Middlesbrough a 1–0 victory over Cardiff City. This proved to be a turning point for him, as he regained fine form towards the end of 2010. Arca suffered two injuries throughout October. Over time through the season, Arca played in both the left–back position and midfield position. Arca then assisted three goals in three matches between 28 December 2010 and 3 January 2011 against Preston North End, Leeds United and Norwich City. It wasn't until on 23 April 2011 when he scored his second of the season against Hull City and later that week, he scored his third of the campaign on a 2–1 win over Coventry City. Despite being absent on three occasions later in the season, Arca made thirty–five appearances and scoring four times in all competitions. At the end of the 2010–11 season, he was voted the club's supporters' and players' Player of the Year. Arca was also named Middlesbrough's player of the year and Team of the Season by the local newspaper, The Northern Echo. His contract ended at the end of the 2010–11 season, having announced in February that he would leave. Arca previously stated that he would take a pay cut to stay at Middlesbrough. But mid–June, he was offered a new contract on reduced terms. On 1 July 2011, Arca was officially a free agent, though Manager Tony Mowbray did not ruled out a return to sign him. After turning down a chance to return to Boca Juniors,