Arsene Wenger has backed his former Arsenal player Thierry Henry to thrive if he is appointed as Bournemouth's new manager, insisting the south coast club is a 'great platform' for any young manager.
As Sportsmail reported on Wednesday, the legendary French striker has emerged as a surprise candidate for the vacant head coach's job after Jason Tindall was sacked earlier this month.
Henry, who is currently in charge at MLS side Montreal Impact, leads an all-star cast of candidates, including his former Arsenal colleague Patrick Vieira, ex-Huddersfield boss David Wagner and Chelsea legend John Terry.
But the Cherries now want the opportunity to talk to Henry about the role as they eye a quick appointment to get their promotion bid back on track.
Wenger, speaking on pundit duty for BeIN Sports on Wednesday night, confirmed his two former players were in the running and said it was an ideal opportunity for Henry.
The 71-year-old said: 'I knew a little bit about Patrick Vieira, when he was in the frame, but Thierry Henry, being at Montreal, I didn't expect him to leave.
'But it's a good club, Bournemouth, and I think a good test as well for somebody.
'They have good players and they work well, so I think it's a great platform for a young manager to show that he can do it in England enough to go to the Premier League.'
Henry is still relatively new to the managerial game, having initially worked as Belgium assistant to Roberto Martinez before taking over at Monaco in October 2018.
However, Henry endured a nightmare time in Monaco and only lasted three months, 20 games, in charge.
Monaco found themselves in the Ligue 1 relegation zone under his management during the 2018-19 season, having won only five times in all competitions.
But under a year on, he got his next managerial role in the MLS with Montreal, signing a two-year deal until the end of the 2021 season with an option to extend it by a further season.
Henry's appointment would be viewed as a gamble with Bournemouth desperately targeting a straight return to the Premier League.
The Cherries currently sit sixth in England's second division, 12 points off leaders Norwich and 11 behind Brentford occupying the final automatic promotion spot.
Sportsmail understands Frank Lampard has been contacted but the former Chelsea boss is minded to continue his break away from football following his recent dismissal at Stamford Bridge.
Bournemouth looked at appointing Scott Parker as Eddie Howe's replacement last summer, but there seems little hope of persuading the 40-year-old to leave his job with Premier League club Fulham.