Atletico Madrid reportedly failed with an approach for central defender Kostas Manolas before the Greece international joined Napoli from Roma.
Diego Simeone's side have overhauled their back four at the Wanda Metropolitano with the likes of Juanfran, Diego Godin and Filipe Luis all moving on during the summer.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Atletico identified Manolas - previously linked with a move to the Premier League - as the perfect player to improve their defensive unit.
However, the 28-year-old eventually left Roma for Napoli at the end of June, signing a five-year contract with Carlo Ancelotti's side.
Atletico are the only team in Spain's top flight to win all three of their matches this season, with a total of nine points leaving them top of the table.
