The successful signings of Dubravka, Kenedy and Slimani have helped Rafa enormously.
Ashley sees transfers as his easiest way for the club to lose money and that's why he put so much trust in Greame Carr (because he falsely thought he was good at getting bargains).
Now that Rafa has shown his worth in terms of recruitment, perhaps he wont be so reluctant to open the wallet.
I think I read that we will get at least 121m for finishing top 10. If that doesn't cover the transfers Rafa needs and then some, I dont know what does.
Give him a sizable budget and let him do his fucking job.