Arles pounce for Pavon

Pavon: Champions League winner

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Teams

• Real Zaragoza

Players

• Francisco Pavon

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• Ligue 1 fixtures
• Ligue 1 table
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Ambitious Ligue 1 newcomers Arles-Avignon have snapped up experienced defender Francisco Pavon.

The French outfit have been busy rebuilding their squad this summer, having secured a shock promotion into the French top flight.

Pavon becomes the 18th new arrival of a hectic transfer window, which Arles hope will allow them to compete among the elite.

They have endured a difficult start to the 2010/11 campaign, losing their opening four fixtures, but have plenty of time in which to pull clear of trouble.

Pavon certainly has the experience to suggest that he could prove to be a shrewd acquisition.

Challenge

The 30-year-old centre-half is a product of the Real Madrid academy structure and enjoyed a productive six-year stint in the first-team fold at Santiago Bernabeu.

He made over 100 appearances for Los Blancos and helped them to land the 2002 UEFA Champions League crown.

Pavon has spent the last three years turning out for Real Zaragoza, but began to slip down their pecking order last season.

As a result, he is now ready to take on a fresh challenge in France with a side determined to continue punching above their weight.

Meanwhile, Arles have also added Brazilian forward Johnathan to their ranks, with the 19-year-old having joined on loan from Goias.