ARSENE Wenger admits he was surprised to see Thierry Henry's name linked with the vacant managerial role at Cherries, but added: "It's a good club, Bournemouth."

Cherries have been without a boss for the past two weeks since sacking Jason Tindall.

Jonathan Woodgate has been in caretaker charge and is currently unbeaten after matches against Birmingham, Burnley and Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal legend Henry, who is currently in charge of MLS side CF Montreal, has today become the bookmakers' odds-on favourite for the vacancy.

The Daily Echo understands Cherries have been interviewing potential candidates this week, having narrowed down an extensive list of applications to a more manageable shortlist.

It is understood Henry has not been interviewed, but the club would be interested to speak to him, if permitted.

Patrick Vieira and David Wagner have also been strongly linked.

And Wenger, who first brought Henry to England as manager of Arsenal in 1999, admits he did not know of Cherries' interest in his fellow Frenchman.

Speaking as a pundit on beIN Sports, Wenger said: "I knew a little bit about Patrick Vieira and that he was in the frame, but Thierry Henry being in Montreal, I didn't expect him to leave.

"But it's a good club, Bournemouth. A good test as well for somebody.

"They have good players, they work well, so I think it's a great platform for a young manager to show that he can do it in England and after go to the Premier League."

Asked if he can tell in advance which of his players will go on to become a manager, Wenger added: "No, you don't know. Because basically I would say all the players that play at the top, I can imagine they can be managers. Because to play at the top, top you need to understand football.

"After it's more a dedication of life - do you want to lead this kind of life or not?"

Asked if he would be on hand to offer Henry advice, Wenger said: "Of course. When you worked like I did for 37 or 38 years, you would like to help all your players because you have shared emotions together, you have gone for fights together, you have suffered together and you want them to have a happy life.

"So if I can help them I am always happy to do it."