Aston Villa scouts in Birmingham are set to assess two key players from Montpellier, who are currently top of the French league. According to British media reports, the Villans have their eyes set on defender Benjamin Stambouli, 21, and striker Olivier Giroud, 25. The latter has become a highly sought-after player, with competition among European clubs for his signature intense.

Giroud's impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, and his goalscoring ability has made him a prime target for clubs looking to bolster their attacking options. Aston Villa's interest underlines the growing recognition of Giroud's talent, as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the upcoming season.

However, it has been noted that the transfer fee Montpellier are demanding for Giroud could prove to be a significant hurdle for Aston Villa. The club are cautious about financial constraints, especially in a competitive market where multiple clubs are competing for top talent. The potential cost of acquiring Giroud could be a daunting prospect, especially with the financial implications of signing a player of his calibre.

Aston Villa's interest in Stambouli also reflects their strategy to improve their defensive options. As a promising young defender, Stambouli has the potential to strengthen the team's backline and contribute to their long-term goals. The combination of the two players could provide a much-needed boost to the team, but the club must carefully manage the financial aspects of these potential transfers.

In conclusion, Aston Villa’s focus on Giroud and Stambouli underlines the club’s ambitions to compete at a higher level. As they assess their options, the decisions made over the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the team’s future. While the interest in these players is promising, the challenges of securing their signatures are significant and the club will need to weigh up their options carefully as they look to build a competitive squad. The upcoming transfer window promises to be an exciting time for Aston Villa, with the potential for some impactful signings that could redefine their season.