Argentina international Rodrigo De Paul has extended his contract with Udinese until 2023, the Serie A club confirmed on Friday.

The 24-year-old arrived in north-eastern Italy in 2016 from Valencia.

"I'm happy with the faith the club has in me," De Paul said. "For a footballer that's essential.

"In the summer there was more talk than was necessary, as far as I was concerned I'd spoken to the coach and the club and they made it clear I had a role in this project. The discussion ended there."

De Paul has been Udinese's leading goal-scorer this season with five goals -- half of their Serie A tally -- as they sit just above the relegation zone.

He earned his first cap for Argentina in October, and has also been called up for two friendlies against Mexico later this month.

"Getting to the national team is the dream of every player. Argentina has a lot of champions and I'm excited to be part of this group," he said.

"I already know several of the players, from (Paulo) Dybala to (Roberto) Pereyra and we're working very well together.

"It's a shirt that comes with a lot of responsibility but I'm ready, I have the right mentality to take on that responsibility."