Arsenal's attempt to sign Andrei Arshavin from Zenit St Petersburg is being held up by the Russian club's demands, according to his agent.
The Gunners and Italian side Juventus have been linked with a £20m deal, but Dennis Lachter says Zenit want the fee to be paid in only one instalment.
He said: "They want the money in one go. They did it that way when they got Danny for £24m and they want the same.
"Many clubs are afraid of how Zenit and other Russian clubs do business."
Despite Zenit's stance, Lachter says he is still confident Arshavin will be leaving the club in the January transfer window.
"There are 10, 15, 20 teams who are interested in him. The question is can they afford him?"
Zenit coach Dick Advocaat has confirmed Arsenal's interest in the 27-year-old who shone during Euro 2008.
"I am aware that Arsenal are interested but I don't know any more than that," said Dutchman Advocaat.
"Arshavin played well for us last season but he didn't play as well as he can. There's still more to come from him and people will see that."
In December, Lachter told BBC Sport that Zenit and the player, who was linked with a move to Tottenham in the summer, had agreed that he should find a new club in January.
"He will definitely move in January or the player and club will lose money," he said.
But Lachter denied reports that the player had visited both the training grounds of Arsenal and Spurs on a recent trip to London.
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