Areola signs extension with Paris Saint-Germain

Alphonse Areola appears to be the goalkeeper of the future at Paris Saint-Germain after signing an extension to remain with the Ligue 1 leaders until 2023.

Areola has split the starting duties with legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon this season, who joined the Parisians from Juventus last summer. But Thursday's announcement is a clear signal Areola will be the team's outright No. 1 if PSG doesn't extend Buffon's contract beyond next summer.

“It was very important for me to continue my career and my progress here at PSG," Areola said, according to Jonathan Johnson of ESPN FC. "This club is not just where I trained - it is also in my heart. I grew up here and have now managed to make the 1st team squad."

A graduate of PSG's youth system, Areola made his senior debut for the capital-city club in 2013. After loan spells with Lens, Bastia, and Villarreal, he returned to Paris and became the primary backup to Kevin Trapp.

He emerged as the team's starting 'keeper to begin the 2017-18 campaign, starting 34 matches to help PSG win the league title.

Areola, 25, has won two caps with the French national team and was a member of the squad that captured the World Cup in Russia last summer.