SQL upgrade - will WOW64 be a problem?

Afternoon all, I need to upgrade a SQL server approaching End of Extended support and I'm not sure the best way to do it

I have EV9, on 2008r2 with SQL 2005 SP4 (x86)

Microsoft documentation says I can't do an in place 32bit to 64bit upgrade. The next compatible DB I can use for EV9 is SQL Server 2008 R2 (x64). Apparently I can upgrade from 32bit to WOW64

EV9 is compatible with SQL Server 2008 R2 

so the only thing I can't find info on is the WOW64 factor

Has anyone tried this or knows whether it's possible?

Best regards