Kaká Bidding Fallout: Are Manchester City's Methods the Future of Football?

I know money is the root of all evil
Do funny things to some people
Give me a nickel, brother can you spare a dime
Money can drive some people out of their minds

Money, Money, Money, it is after all only funny in a rich man's world.

World football seems to be reaching a stage where it can go one way or another. This has probably been said a thousand times before but football does look as if it is at a crossroads. In ten years time I may be saying the same thing but hindsight is of no use then. 

The O'Jays were correct when they stated that "Money can drive some people out of their minds."

Proof that certain people around the Eastlands are out of their mind was confirmed today, when rumours emanated that Manchester City are prepared to offer anywhere in the region of £100-£175 million for AC Milan star Kaká. Add to this a rumoured annual pay package of £25 million and it is plain to see someone forget to take their sanity pills this morning.

Is Kaká a fantastic player?

Without a doubt. He has the ability to create and score goals to match that of Messi and Ronaldo and like these players is mature beyond his years. It can be argued that on a number of occasions, Kaká has had to carry an ageing Milan side. On his day Kaká is the best in the world.

Is Kaká worth £175?

In a word—no. Yes, it is all well and good to say that Manchester City have the money to carry this out, but where would such a transfer leave football?

If Kaká is worth £175 million, how much would Manchester United seek for Cristiano Ronaldo and indeed how much would Ronaldo seek in wages?

Over the last number of years the amount of money being thrown around in world football has been quite silly. Overrated players signed on massive transfers with inflated wages to boot.

The reported reply from Kaká coming out of the Milan camp is heartening for lovers of football.

According to the Press Association, Kaká wants to "grow old at Milan. My aim is to become, at some point in the future, the captain of this team." The Brazilian has vowed that money will not play a major part in his decision whether to leave or stay at the San Siro.

In a time where footballers are constantly trying to link themselves with other clubs in order for their current club to up their paypacket, Kaká's words should be widely admired.

He has straight away pledged his future to the Italian side and shows a want to do his very best for a club that has given him the opportunity to become a worldwide superstar.

Basically Kaká has put playing at the highest level of European football over a few extra zeros at the end of his weekly paypacket.

However how many other players can refuse the lure of the green?

Furthermore, the takeover of Manchester City by the Abu-Dhabi based group came at a time when football seemed to be settling somewhat. Hit by the worldwide recession, football owners seem to be increasingly prudent with their money. The "sell before you buy" order by Roman Ambramovich at Chelsea been a case in point.

Which leads us to this question—what does the future of football hold?

Is the current Manchester City situation merely a flash in the pan? How long before the rich men from afar get bored with their new toy and decide they would rather a Formula One team?

There are at numerous clubs up for sale in the English Premier League, yet no-one seems interested in buying them. The debts that new owners would take just doesn't seem worth it to most.

Therefore is the future of football one that is based on the Arsenal method of sustainability? One where the clubs are forced to live within their means.

Arsenal fans may be tearing their hair out as Arsene Wenger and the board refuse to shell out that extra £10 million for Andrei Arshavin but if it is to secure the long-term future of the club then so be it.

I, for one, would rather wait for the talent of Wilshere, Mannone, Fonte, Simpson, Ramsey, Coquelin, Merida, Traore, and Gibbs, among others, to take us into a glory spell in the future. Better that than become the next Leeds United.

Surely Arsenal's dedication to giving youth a chance should be celebrated, as should the board's refusal to fork out money over the odds for players. While the club's method of sustainability has been over a decade in the making it is one that can be followed by many clubs although the level of success may vary.

Personally I feel that the Arsenal-way may become the future of football. Not because I am an Arsenal fan and am showing team loyalty or bias. No because it is logically the only way football can be sustained.

Chelsea thought they were made for life when Ambramovich took them over and splashed the cash. Surely they must be just a little worried that he may walk away before they can make themselves self-sustainable.

Manchester City fans should use this as a warning. The Sheiks of Abu-Dhabi will one day have to watch their money too. Green groups around the world are getting more and more vocal about our energy coming from renewable sources. Oil is far from renewable.

The Sheiks are bound to have to tighten their belts sometime, everything happens in swings and roundabouts. City fans shouldn't fool themselves into thinking that their owners care too much for the fans or the club. They care about putting as many jewels onto their necklace as they can, Robinho been the first.

After a while that necklace can lose its appeal—time for it to be thrown anyway.

Who's knows what way things will go. I can but harbour a guess.

Arsenal or Manchester City? You decide.