 After graduating from CA Osasuna's youth academy he spent the entirety of his Spanish career in the lower leagues; he appeared only once in the Segunda División B, as a second-half substitute in SD Lemona's 3–0 away win against Marino de Luanco.In the 2007–08 season, Arce scored 20 Tercera División goals for CD Lourdes, and was signed by Major League Soccer side San Jose Earthquakes in the ensuing offseason.In the following transfer window he moved teams – and countries – again, joining Club 12 de Octubre for whom he featured in the Paraguayan Primera División.